In July of 2023, I moved out of state with my son to leave a dangerous situation in my neighborhood. I moved into an apartment with my significant other, and within the first month of being there, the lip of a stair broke in our apartment and I fell, injuring both ankles. I immediately went to the emergency room where they told me that I had badly sprained my ankles and they sent me off with ace bandages (no crutches) Over the next few months, I worked as much as I could because shortly after moving into the apartment, my significant other was arrested for beating me. The pain of walking to work and being the only one taking care of my 1 year old son when I wasn't working, took its toll. In January of 2024 I was diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the left ankle because the talus bone had been fractured and started dying and collapsing. The only cure was surgery, and at the time, I had no one to care for me and my son after surgery. On top of that, I couldn't work anymore because I couldn't walk, which led to me losing our apartment. I had to quickly pack a few bags and call the homeless hotline which let me stay in a hotel for a month. My landlord disobeyed court orders which would have allowed me more time to get my belongings, but he wouldn't let me back into the apartment to get my belongings, including my late fiances ashes (Jimmy)....EVERYTHING I OWNED WAS LOST!!! I had no choice, but to move back to N.Y. to have the surgery because I had nothing and no one.

On September 29th I got surgery on my left ankle, which put rods in my ankle and foot, fusing the joint and bones together, so now I have no range of motion in my ankle. About a month ago, I found out that it has now progressed to bilateral osteonecrosis of the right ankle, and emergency surgery is scheduled for February 10th. This disease is progressive and spreads, and there is no other cure, than surgery. I have literally just started putting weight on my left leg and walking, and still have yet to do physical therapy that I was cleared for on Christmas eve (a wonderful present!) My surgeon told me that I am the youngest patient he has operated on, however, even with my youth, I will not be able to do the things I loved to do before this diagnosis. My hope is to raise enough money to help with medical expenses, medical equipment I'll need to get around the house, childcare costs, bills, and daily living expenses. I was denied disability and I only receive foodstamps, so I am far behind on bills.