In September, my husband, Eric, passed away. Along with losing him, we lost his disability income- which was half of the financial foundation of our household.

Since then, it's been a house of dominoes sitting on the side of a hill.

I was placed on medical leave due to my own health issues, fully expecting the benefits I was entitled to. Nearly three months later, I am still battling my employer to be paid. There has been no income during this time—none. Phone calls, paperwork, follow-ups, delays, and denials. All while trying to grieve, survive, and keep a roof over our heads.

The only consistent funds coming in have been Social Security benefits for our daughter, AnaBeth, meant specifically for her needs. I have tried to protect that money, but when there is no food and the utilities are shut off, survival takes over. Those funds are now tapped out.

Here’s where things stand right now:

• Utilities have been shut off (temporarily restored with outside help)

• We are several months behind on bills

• An eviction notice has been issued

• Repossession and additional shutoffs are looming

• I’ve been unable to focus on my own medical treatment or therapy which has only exacerbated my condition, because every day is spent fighting to keep us afloat

This is not a budgeting problem. This is a crisis gap caused by loss, medical leave delays, and a system that moves painfully slow when you’re already drowning.

Asking for help is not something I do —honestly, it’s one of the hardest things for me to do and causes me great duress. But right now, the stress of is outweighed by the need to keep food on the table, utilities on, a home intact, and possibly a few gifts under the tree for AnaBeth.

Funds raised will be used for:

• Food and basic household necessities

• Past-due utilities and preventing shutoffs

• Rent and eviction prevention

• Transportation and essential expenses while income issues are resolved

This support is meant to stabilize us while I continue fighting for the benefits and income I am owed and work toward recovery.

If you’re able to donate, thank you. If you can share this, that matters just as much. Even reading this and understanding helps more than you know.

Kim