Hey everyone,

In February 2015 I became very sick and was forced to go on leave from work. After numerous failures to diagnose my condition, the doctors finally pinpointed it as Severe Ulcerative Colitis mid March. My colonoscopy revealed that my entire large intestine was ulcerated from start to finish. The hope was that through steroids and immunosuppressive drugs my condition could be controlled; however, the disease has continued to progress and remains unresponsive to treatment.

Due to the inability of drug therapy to rectify my situation, I will soon be having surgery to remove my colon. This is a massive, life changing 2 - 3 part surgery, but the only known “cure” for my situation. The recovery time for this procedure is 6-8 months.  I will be unable to return to work at the end of my medical leave June 1st. I will continue to be on disability, however even with my insurance numerous hospital visits, ER visits and specialist visits have begun to take their toll. I'm largely dependent on the kindness of those close to me to get by as far as housing, food, etc... Luckily I have some truly wonderful people in my life.

I do not enjoy asking people for help. I am on disability and applying for food stamps. I'm paying my bills and doing my best not to fall behind. I would not be able to do this without the help of those wonderful people around me. I'm asking for help to alleviate the stress on these people and myself during this difficult time. Every cent will be used for bills, housing, food, etc...

I'm at my limit and I need help.

-Joshua Vickery