Please Help Me Pay Off My Property Taxes

*Important Update*

7/13/2023

PLEASE HELP!!!

I have no idea what I did, or how I did it, but I had to do an online grocery shopping order, and I thought I was using my credit card, but somehow the payment was taken out of my bank account! I haven't received my Food Stamps yet, for the month, but my cupboards and the refrigerator were bare!

I'm not even sure if my Property Manager took the Lot Rent out, or not. My account is all messed up, and everything is so confusing! WHAT DID I DO????? I am so panicked right now, that my stomach has been upset since I got home from picking up the groceries! I used my United Healthcare U Card, for about half of the food, but then I needed to use my Debit Card. Somehow, I managed to drain my bank account, into the negative! My account balance says it's -$72.47! I needed food, but this is ridiculous! She had to have taken the Lot Rent out, and it just hasn't cleared yet! Otherwise, I am in deep trouble!

Please help me! I need to make sure I have the money for my cell phone bill, and for my homeowners insurance, which I finally got squared away, last month. They said my insurance had lapsed in March, and I ended up having to pay double for 2 months! I am absolutely freaking out!

Oh! I also got the bill for THIS year's Fall Property Taxes, and it's another $445 and change, IF I pay it by August 31st! I just can't get caught up! I feel like I need a financial advisor or something, so I can afford to live on my own.

Lot Rent is $435/month... $57 for the Electric bill... cellphone is $74.60... State Farm gets $122.56 this month... I put my tea subscription on hold for this month, but ended up ordering some tea from Tiesta, because they joined in on Prime Days, so I spent about the same amount on some tea, from them. Last year's Property Taxes are creeping up, closer to the $700 mark, with each passing month. I needed to get pet supplies(i.e. cat food and litter, rat food and litter, enrichment for both, etc.) I had to spend about $130 out of pocket, for food and cleaning supplies, because I had a major ant infestation the other night, at 2am, and had to clean that up. I ran out of paper towels in the middle of that. So I ordered a huge package of them, because the really big packages were on sale. I ordered one book for my book club, I'm in, and because it is a trilogy, and ordering the set only cost $3 more than just the first book, I ordered the series, for $8.99... My Amazon Prime is only $7.99/month, and I've been taking advantage of the Audible deal, $0.99/month, for 3 months. I haven't spent anything extra. I get 1 credit per month, with my Amazon Prime, for as long as I am using Audible. And whatever I get, I get to keep. I have almost the entire C.S. Lewis Library. So whatever I get for my credits, I get to keep, and listen at my leisure. I had to order some organizers for my livingroom, and one two tier organizer for both the kitchen AND the bathroom, which, thankfully, ordering from Temu, saved me a LOT of money, compared to anywhere else So... according to my calculations, I am roughly  $879 in the hole this month... if I thought returning things would do me any good, I would. But they ARE helping me get things so much more organized. And it's not like they're costing me hundreds of dollars, a piece. I was able to completely organize the cabinets under my kitchen AND bathroom sinks! And now there is so much space, for me to put other things. Things that I usually kept up on the counter tops, that looked terrible, or made my counters overly cluttered. Everything that I have gotten from Temu, in the last few months, has had a vast effect, on my productivity, cleaning up, and organizing my home. I have had to pick and choose, what I felt I could afford, but thankfully, the items I have purchased from there, have been worth every penny! I wish I could say that about my mobile home... The top track for the kitchen drawers just snapped this week, because it's made of plastic, and is stapled, rather than screwed into place. So, now I need to go and buy the hardware to fix ALL 3 of the drawers, because I don't want to have to deal with this again... Other than that charming little disaster, I'm so thrilled with how everything is looking, around here, and I haven't been able to say that at all, since I moved in here, 8 years ago. When Mom passed away, 5½ years ago, I inherited a LOT of her stuff, and I wasn't able to go through those things, without memories washing over me, and I would become so overwhelmed, I would make myself sick, with grief. It took me almost 5 whole years, just to be able to process that she was gone, let alone processing the boxes and totes of her belongings, from her house. In October '22, the healing truly began, and I was able to open a box, and not completely fall apart. I threw away a LOT of trash! Old bills, and paperwork, that was no longer needed, old cards, from people I no longer even remembered. I poured over Mom's books, that she loved, and donated boxes, upon boxes, of them, that I would never read, because the topics just didn't interest me at all, anymore. I donated or threw out clothing, that would never fit me, in a million years. The healing was finally beginning, for me, and I didn't feel like I needed to hold on to her stuff, in order to hold on to my memories of her, anymore. When I found out that I'm on the spectrum, in 2019, things started to click into place, and it explained so much about who I am, why I am the way I am, and why I was having so much trouble processing my grief. I literally could not open a box of Mom's belongings, without having an emotional meltdown, and that was so frustrating to me. I hated living here, in this cluttered mess. I hated having friends over, because I was embarrassed about all the clutter. But I couldn't do anything about that clutter, until I was finally ready to start letting things go. I didn't need 2, or 3, or 5 of the same things! Everything started going into boxes, and being carried out of here, by my close friends, who didn't care about my mess, and I was, and am so grateful to them, still, for helping me to take those first steps, in grieving my Mom. I simply didn't have the ability to process those things before, without turning into a blubbering mess, myself. Thank you, to those of you reading this, who helped me with that initial process. You know who you are.

I have physically "lived" here for 8 years, this month. But, I didn't really START LIVING here until late last year. After Mom passed away, I completely shut down. My depression overwhelmed me, and I spent months in bed, with debilitating physical illnesses, that had manifested in my body, because of my inability to actually LIVE here. I was just going through the motions each day, and for the most part, I just laid here, wishing I would die, so I could be with my Mom again. She was such an important part of my life, and we lost her so suddenly, that I just could not cope with such a huge loss in my life. I was barely surviving here. What had become of my own life, could not be considered living. When Mom passed, I lost my best friend, my personal cheerleader, every ounce of encouragement in my life. And so, my life just stopped. I lost interest in everything. Even therapy and counseling didn't help. I couldn't articulate how, or why I felt the way I did. So eventually, I just stopped going, because I had lost my insurance when Mom left me my inheritance, and I had to pay out of pocket, for every doctor visit, every diagnostic, all of my prescriptions... that inheritance dwindled pretty quickly. What should have lasted me "the rest of my life" was gone within 3 years. And I'm still here. But I actually AM LIVING again! And now I'm struggling to make ends meet. With the rising cost of groceries, and, let's be honest here, EVERYTHING, I just can't live on the tiny amount that I get from my Disability, each month. I have tried to cut back, on my spending, and I am participating in money saving programs, designed for people like me, who live far below the poverty line. I am thankful, I have a roof over my head, food in my belly, and people, in my life, who genuinely care about me. Those people have become more of a family to me, than the people who are biologically related to me. I mean, come on... let's be real here... I didn't see my brother or his family for TWO AND A HALF YEARS! And they only live about a half hour from me. There's something wrong there, if I saw people I only get to spend one holiday with, more often than my own family! And it wasn't for lack of trying, on my part, either. Schedules just wouldn't mesh, and I wouldn't hear from them for months at a time. No communication, whatsoever. And so, I just stopped trying. I kept being met with excuses, and non responses, to my messages, so I figured, why waste my time anymore? I had people who actually WANTED to spend time with me. And they cared enough about me, to help me get things cleaned up, and tidy around here. So, my chosen family, became my true family, and I'm happy I can spend as much time with them, as I do. They have helped me, when I didn't have enough to pay my bills. They've helped me cover things at the grocery store, that I just didn't have enough money to cover, even though I picked and chose the things I needed, from my cart. But I want to pay those people back. I don't like owing people money. I appreciated their help so much! But I don't want them to think I'm never going to pay them back. I only need about $250 to pay the three of them back, the money I borrowed from them. But, when I'm living, trying to get my life organized, and cleaned up, I am struggling to pay for the most basic of needs, let alone paying my friends back.

Please, if you are able to donate, I can tell you, I appreciate every penny I receive. You are all, an absolute Godsend, for helping me. I am humbled, again and again, by our generosity. It has meant, and still means the world to me. Without all of you, I would probably be homeless... or worse... I'd rather not think about such a grim topic, so let's try to keep this positive.

Thank you, everyone, for bearing with me, long enough, to read this whole post. I appreciate that you read all my long-winded ramblings. If you feel led donate to my fundraiser, I thank you from the very bottom of my heart, and I appreciate every dollar. If you can only share this on your social media, I thank you so much, for helping to spread the word, that I am in need of financial assistance. Every share gets me that much closer to my financial goal, and helping me to become completely debt-free. Prayers are always welcome, on my behalf, and appreciated more than you can ever truly know. Thank you and may God bless YOU, tenfold whatever you are able to help with.

Grace

6/28/2023

Hello All,

I have officially paid the Spring Taxes, for THIS YEAR, so that they do not become delinquent as well. Thank you so much for your donations, shares, prayers, and all your support! I am overwhelmed with the response I've received in the last few weeks. It always amazes me the ways God can fill the needs of His people. He is always faithful, never wavering. If you ask, you shall receive. I just have to remember that I can't just ask once, and done. I have to keep asking, for the help that I need. It's an ongoing struggle, and I am humbled daily, but if you humble yourself before The Lord, He will give you everything you need.

I have to thank those of you, who shared my link, and spread the word, wider and farther, than I could ever have done, on my own. Your simple shares, have become blessings and help, and have gotten me closer to my total goal of $4000. I have to tell you the math problem I've been trying to solve, for the last few months. Since, say, about March, I guess... My COLA(Cost Of Living Adjustment) from SS, this year was an extra $21 per month. Since February, my lot rent, has gone up twice. Last year, our lot rent increased $15/month, but I never got any notice that it had increased, until the Property Management Office called one day, in Mid-January, to let me know that I hadn't been paying the increased amount that had been put into place, in May 2022. I told them I had no knowledge of the increase, and I asked, how and when we were notified of this increase. The Property Manager grabbed the phone from her receptionist, and started kind of yelling at me, and said I wasn't the only one who hadn't started paying the increase. So I asked her how much I owed her, if it had been 9 months, and it was $15/month, to which she scoffed and said, "No, we're not doing that! Just starting February, you'll start paying that extra $15 going forward!" I told her that was no problem, but I asked her when we were notified of the increase, and she said that flyers had been put on the windshields of every car, in the park. I said, "Oh... that would explain why I didn't get one." She scoffed again, and asked, "Oh? Why is that?" To which I replied, "I don't drive anymore, and I don't own a car." She just sighed, in an exasperated way, and said, "Just start paying it, starting February." I said, "No problem. Will do." And then she hung up on me, without so much as a goodbye.

In February, I started paying $415 for my lot rent, and have continued to do so, each month, since then. However, also in February, we received our last Covid benefit, that had been added to our Food Stamp allotment, starting in 2020, That extra bit of money at the end of every month, really helped out, a lot, especially in my case, because I have dietary restrictions, which include a Gluten-Free diet. I don't know how many of you have dietary restrictions, but those of you, who do, know that "specialty foods" cost as much as six times the amount of just regular food. For instance, a loaf(which is more like a half a loaf)of gluten-free bread costs anywhere from $5.50-$7.50. I have to pay 3-4 times as much, for half of what people without any dietary restrictions pay, for a normal-sized loaf of bread. And people ask me, "Well, why don't you just give up bread?" Well, it's not JUST bread! Gluten-Free everything is more expensive than products that contain gluten. Did you know that there is WHEAT in most Soy Sauce brands??? *screams internally*

Sorry, I'm better now. But the cost of ALL food, has gone up a lot. Not just gluten-free food. So, I'm reading ever grocery store circular, and comparing prices, each week, to know what to shop for, and when. It's exhausting having to go to 4 different grocery stores, just to get the best deal on your basic groceries, when you are ABLE-BODIED! But add my being disabled, and it becomes even more of a chore. I would pay online, and have one of my friends just pick up my orders for me, after they leave work, sometime during the week... But then there's the substitutions, or the out-of-stock items, that can't be substituted. The whole situation is exhausting, both physically and mentally. I like to be able to buy WHAT I WANT, for the lowest price, possible, and if they don't have what I want, be able to either substitute it with something of my own choosing, or just not bother with it at all. I KNOW I have been overcharged for groceries, that I haven't even gotten in my bags, and then I have to ask my friend who was nice enough to go and grab those groceries for me, to take me back to the store, so that I can either return or exchange the incorrect items, or get refunded for something I paid for, that I didn't even receive! I don't like having to physically go shopping, anymore. But, they don't make these online shopping sites, for people like me. The point is, I'm paying more money, for less food. And that's just not right. And I know that it's the same for EVERYONE, right now, but I pay even more, for even less food, than most people. The point is, the government stopped aiding people with the extra $95 at the end of each month, starting in March. BUT... also, in March, the government decided to take an extra $40 out of what I get regularly, for my Food Stamps! How am I supposed to make that $200 a month stretch the entire month, so that I have plenty to eat, for the entire month???

So... ok... are you still with me here? I received an extra $21/month starting in January. My lot rent, went up $15 in February, and I lost, not just the $95/month Covid allotment, but they decided I didn't need a whole $240/month for groceries... I could make do with just $200/month, when the price of ALL food has increased. Not just Gluten-Free foods. I HAVE been eating healthier, but I've also noticed a decrease in my weight, and my clothing is starting to hang off of me... which means I'm going to have to get a whole new, smaller wardrobe! BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE! At the beginning of June, we received a notice taped to each and every door, to every mobile, in the park, that lot rent would be increasing AGAIN, starting in July! And this time, it has increased another $20/month! So, that's $35/month, JUST for lot rent, this year!

21-35= -14

-14-95= -109

-109-40= -149

Is anyone else seeing the math conundrum, that I am dealing with? And this doesn't even take into account, the extra cost of food and other necessities, that I am buying each month. I WILL tell you that ALDI is my new favorite store! I filled my grocery cart this month, and I STILL had money leftover, at the end of the trip! But I can't buy EVERYTHING I need at ALDI, unfortunately.

BUT, I AM in vastly better shape, than I was, last year, at this time. The inheritance that Mom left me, was gone, and I had no health insurance or prescription drug insurance, so I was paying out of pocket, for 3½ years, for all my prescriptions and doctor's visits(which I tried to avoid, like the plague)! I have 100% medical and prescription drug coverage, between my primary United Healthcare Dual Complete, and my secondary Community Health Choices, through PA Health and Wellness. So, at least I have ALL of my medicines, and all my doctor's visits are covered! UHC helps me get my Over-The-Counter medicines, every month, and they cover my PPL On-Track Bill, every month. I am praying I can continue to pay that way, every month, moving forward, until PPL decides I no longer need their On-Track program... which considering how much money I've "lost" this year, to increased expenditures, I hope they decide to keep me on their plan, indefinitely. I know that's probably wishful thinking, but I can hope, can't I?

Anyway, as I've been typing this, I've received 3 more donations, and I can't thank you enough, for all your love and support! As I said, I've paid my SPRING 2023 Property Taxes, in full, and I'm just saving up, to pay the delinquent 2022 Property Taxes. I've got $125 set aside for those delinquent taxes, but I still need $575 more, because of the stupid 0.75% they add to my amount each month. I'm rounding up here, because I know it's $690 something and change, starting in July... I REALLY want to get these paid off, so the amount doesn't keep increasing. I would also like to ask your help, with this year's Fall Taxes, so I can pay them up this year, instead of having to go through all this anxiety-inducing rigamaroll, again next year. I just don't have enough money coming in each month, to save enough for these tax bills. My neighbor asked me today, if I'm eligible for Homesteader's Tax Rebate, and I honestly don't even know what that is. I asked her if she had any information on it, and she said it would be on my Tax Forms. But I don't see anything that mentions anything about it. If I qualify for extra help, I want to try to get it, so I don't have to keep going through this every year, wondering if or when I can pay my property taxes. I'm so grateful to all of you, who have helped me get this far. I've had this fundraiser going for almost a year now... it started with needing help with my electric bill, and paying some medical bills, and then with trying to get my very expensive prescriptions. You have seen me through this past year, and supported me through my need for assistance. You have been so generous, in your giving, and have offered me a tremendous amount of support, through your shares, prayers, advice, and amazing ideas, on how to help me stretch my dollars each month. God has given me the blessing of you, and I know that He will continue to be faithful, and keep providing for me, like He always has. God is Good, All the Time! All the Time, God is Good!

As I said, ALDI is my new favorite store. Anyone who has anything bad to say about ALDI, clearly hasn't shopped there. They have great deals on the foods that they carry, and they have fresh produce, eggs, meat and dairy. I haven't gone down their "deals" aisle, because I'm sure that I don't need anything that they've got in that aisle. I don't need to tempt myself with things I don't have an absolute need for, right now. I am comfortable, here in my little trailer(pardon me... mobile home), and I'm still working on cleaning things, and organizing, and getting all my pictures and decorations up. One of these days, I'll be able to sit down, and relax in my recliner, and look around, and say, "I'm finally finished moving in!" And it only took me 8+ years to do it! LOL But it took a whole community to help me do it, and I am thankful to each and every one of you!

OH! If there is ANYONE living in the South Central Pennsylvania area, who can help me to go and pick up the Washer & Dryer that my friend has for me, and help me to get it home, and inside, and then take the old appliances out, and take them over to Waste Management, for their White Goods Recycling Center, please contact me at [email redacted] or contact me through Facebook Messenger. I would greatly appreciate the help in being able to get those from her, and I'm sure she would love to clear the space that they are taking up, in her garage! Thank you!

God Bless You All, as you have blessed me!

TL;DR: I've paid my 2023 Spring Taxes, I have $125 saved towards the Delinquent 2022 Taxes, just need $575 more to pay those in full. Need approximately $500 for the 2023 Fall Taxes, and if you would like to help with the cost of my washer & dryer, I need to save another $300 total for those. If anyone can help me to pick those up, from Dallastown, PA to Ephrata, PA, and then take the old appliances to be disposed of, I would greatly appreciate any assistance you can give! Thank you so much!

6/15/2023

Hey All,

HELP! PLEASE!

Somehow, my Insurance lapsed in March, and I have to pay $82.68 to get it reinstated, but I am struggling to keep myself, and my animals fed. I had a pretty large Chewy.com order this month, that included both cat and rat food, PLUS a 25lb bag of Cat Litter... It was an Autoship order, and I didn't think I was going to have a problem, but now, having to pay 3 months of Insurance, in one month, has me scratching my head, as to where I'm going to get the rest of that, AND pay my Spring Property Taxes, so I don't have to pay the penalty, of paying after June 30th. Please, if anyone is able to donate, even if it's just a little, any amount will help. My animals keep me sane, so I'm not willing to give them up, to "save" a little extra. They are cheaper than therapy.

I am currently in need of $138.39 for this year's Spring Taxes, I need $687.78 for last year's Property Taxes, as of right now... the amount will go up to $692.94, on July 1st, if not paid by June 30th. With the Covid amount of SNAP allowance, being removed from the end of each month, I've lost $95, for my Food Stamps, plus the extra $40 they removed from my regular monthly benefits. How do people live on so little food??? Especially if they have serious dietary restrictions??? Seriously... I know people who spend $200 a week on groceries! How do people like me, who have Celiac Disease, or Diabetic Restrictions, or any other dietary restriction, end up with $200 a month, for just food? I'm sorry, but shouldn't the State take those types of things into account, when deciding how much it costs to feed a person, or a whole family? I'll come down off my soap box now...

I also need to manage to save up $300 so I can pay my friend, Ethel for the Washer and Dryer she has sitting in her garage for me, AND find a way to go and pick them up from her. Does anyone in the Lancaster/Dauphin/York County area, have time, and a decent-sized vehicle, that can carry a washer and dryer, that wouldn't mind taking me to Dallastown, PA to pick these appliances up, please? The laundry is REALLY starting to pile up.

I managed to get my Cell Phone Bill down by $30 a month, because of the Affordable Connectivity Program, that offers free internet access to people who are on limited incomes. I'm on the OnTrack Program, through the State Electricity Provider. I really am trying so hard to cut corners as much as I can, but I am struggling so much, still. I am also STILL cleaning my home, so things like paper towels, and cleaning supplies are a must. I really want to be able to show off pictures of the progress, in my home, that I started in October, and have been working a little each day, to make my little trailer into a nice home for myself, and my fur-babies. I couldn't believe it, but my brother actually complimented me, on how much work I've done in here. It was seriously shocking to hear.

To anyone reading this, who doesn't really know me, my Mom passed away, suddenly, in November of 2017, and I just kind of shut down. I couldn't really process her death, or my loss, or any of the items, we were cleaning out of her house, when we were preparing to sell it. I needed to keep "EVERYTHING" because I wasn't ready to let things go yet. I wasn't ready to let HER go. I realize, now, that her belongings, were not her, but I could not process that, at the time of her passing, or for nearly 5 years, afterwards. I did not have a support system in place, for helping me learn to cope with my loss, or to help me process my grief. I felt utterly, and completely alone. I couldn't even go to therapy, or grief counseling, because I had no insurance to pay for it.

BUT... I met some friends, online, who helped me to get out of here, once in a while, so I wasn't just staring at the same blank walls 24/7, and I felt like I finally had an outlet for some of my grief. I could talk about it. And I had found my "tribe" where I felt like I could be myself, and nobody would judge me, if I couldn't get out of bed, or that my house was a cluttered mess. It still took me a couple of years, to start going through Mom's things, and paring them down, because I still wasn't in the right head-space to go through her belongings. My Mom was my best friend, my cheerleader, and my only support. When everyone else abandoned me, when I became permanently disabled, she was still here, encouraging me not to give up. And then she was gone. In one week, my entire world fell apart. I felt incredibly grown up, when I told her, that we knew where she was going, and that she had suffered here, long enough. I didn't WANT to let her go, but I couldn't continue to be selfish, and make her keep on fighting through chronic illness and pain, because I "NEEDED" her. Do I still need my Mom? Heck yeah, I do! But I know she'll never truly leave me, as long as I keep her in my thoughts, every day. I know she is always in my heart, and that someday, I'll be with her again. But knowing those things, didn't make it any easier to cope with losing her. I would try to start cleaning, and I would open a box with things from her house, and memories would flood my mind, and overwhelm me, and I would fall apart, and start blubbering like a giant baby. And then I would spend the next 3 days in bed, trying not to feel so alone. When Covid hit, and everyone was social distancing, I spiraled deeper into depression, because I couldn't even get together with any of the local friends I had met, online. I couldn't move from my bed, except to use the bathroom, and microwave something, to eat, occasionally. I slept, a lot, and I watched YouTube or Netflix, on my phone, while I just laid here, and slowly withered, like a plant without any sunlight. I was so grateful, that I had my cat, to keep me company, and snuggle with me, when I felt too sad to move. He really does lend me a lot of joy and comfort. I don't know what I would do without him.

Wow... I go off on tangents a lot... sorry... back on track:

I really am trying to pare down my spending each month. I'm taking out subscriptions, until I can afford to bring them back(if that ever happens), and I'm doing my best not to buy anything extra, that I don't need. Please, with my rent going up another $20 a month, and food costs the way they are, and losing $20 from my regular Food Stamps allotment, on top of the Covid Relief benefit that they removed in March, I just can't seem to get ahead.

Please consider donating, if you are able. And if not, please, please, please share my link with your friends, family and acquaintances, in case they might be able to help, or know someone who can. I am flat broke now. I maxed out my United Healthcare OTC Card and my Food Stamps Card, trying to eat healthier(ALDI is now my new favorite store), and I still need a few things from the store, that I wasn't able to get at ALDI.

My cell phone bill comes out in 2 days, and I'm praying I have enough in my account to cover it. I know it's going to be cutting it really close. I'm trying so very hard, and just falling short. I'm already trying to "tighten my belt" so to speak, but I guess I'm just going to have to cut back even further, if possible.

If you are able to help, I thank you from the very bottom of my heart, to the very split ends of my hair. I appreciate any and all donations, no matter how small. No gift is ever too small. Don't ever think that you can't make a difference. Even just sharing my link, can make all the difference in the world.

I know that God will provide for me. He has always been faithful, and I know He will continue to be. I'm just in panic mode right now, because of the lapsed insurance, and the triple payment, that they want from me, even though, I paid them already. I'm just frustrated, and trying my best to make it through the rest of the month, on nothing. I hate that when my monthly disability comes in, it's already gone, by the middle of the month, because it's all, already "spoken for" for my various bills. I have to cut any extras I might want, because I just can't afford them. Paring down my life has really been very difficult for me. But, it's good for me to get rid of the extras, that I don't necessarily need, I guess. It teaches me humility, and to be happy with what I have. I just with I could afford my bills, on what little I get each month. My lot rent has increased $35 just this year, alone, which takes away from my other bills. Taking $20 away from my Food Stamps, means that I have to go without bread products, or other healthy grains, because I have Celiac Disease. I just feel like I'm being nickeled and dimed to death, when I'm just trying to survive.

Thanks for reading, and sharing!

God bless each and every one of you!

6/5/2023

Hello everyone,

So, being the kind of person that I am, and not wanting to seem rude, I invited a pair of nicely dressed women, into my home a couple of Saturdays ago, even though I had been woken from a relatively new sleep cycle. I initially thought it was my 8-year-old neighbor girl, knocking at my door, as she is prone to do, on the weekends, and was surprised to see two women, standing in her stead. (Speaking of, she just knocked, as I'm typing this! LOL) I was clearly exhausted, but I asked them inside, anyway. I knew who they were, and why they were there, already, but I invited them in, and asked them if they would like some tea. I needed a cuppa, if I was going to listen to their spiel. They didn't want anything, but I kept on with the task of putting the heat on under my kettle, so I could have a nice strong cup of my favorite Oolong, while I listened to them talk.

They introduced themselves, and asked if they could read something with me. I took my favorite Bible out, and opened it to what they were reading. It honestly felt nice to have someone in my home, and even though, their religion, and my personal relationship, I have with Jesus, are somewhat different, it was nice to be able to talk with someone about Jesus... even if we do view Him slightly differently. We chatted for quite some time, and then one of them decided it would be a good idea, is she flagged down their husbands, who were also canvassing the neighborhood. The one who did the majority of the speaking, reading, and asking me questions, stayed behind to finish up with me. She asked if she might come by again, and instead of coming up with some random excuse, as to why it wouldn't be convenient, I scheduled something with her for a week later... however, I asked if she could come at a more decent hour for my strange sleeping patterns. LOL She agreed, and we were set to meet on June 3rd, in the afternoon. I told her I would make tea, and she told me she'd have to learn to like it.

So, a week went by, and I sent her a text message, telling her I knew just the tea to start her off with, as she is a coffee drinker. It has espresso in it, so it's almost like it contains the best of both worlds, for someone who also enjoys coffee. She said she was looking forward to meeting with me, at our scheduled time. At about 15 minutes past our scheduled time, I turned down the burner under the tea kettle, and wondered what was keeping her. She sent me a message, and said she was lost. She tried to confirm my address, and I told her she was correct, but added the street number and my unit number. Then she questioned what she should put in, as the street number. So I typed out my full, legal address, and that way she could just tap it, and Google Maps would just take over. She arrived just a few minutes later. She knocked, I answered, and she blustered in, and apologized for being so late, as I had told her I had a slightly limited schedule, as I had another commitment to attend to, with my across-the-lane neighbor, that afternoon. She had given me a pamphlet the week prior, and asked if I had it handy. I plucked it from the coffee table, and unzipped my Bible cover. We read through it together, and I watched her video, she had pulled up on her tablet. We then discussed, the video. The video had portrayed a school teacher, who wondered why some of her students were disabled, and if we had a loving God, why He didn't intervene, and fix those "problems" that she saw as something being wrong with them. She asked me my thoughts on those questions. I had some insights, that she hadn't exactly asked for. I told her God doesn't make mistakes. If a child is born with a disability, it's not a punishment. God uses us for His own purposes. If we are born with a disability, or come by one, later in life, it is in those circumstances, that God uses us for His glory. No one knows the mind of God, so we can't know what He is thinking when He allows these circumstances to pass. BUT, we do know that He will make things right one day. I don't know why my life has been the way it has been, but I've never whined, and asked God, "but why me?" I've just gone with whatever is happening, in the moment, and trust that He knows what He is doing. So far, so good. Have there been tragedies throughout my life? Sure. But God has always used those tragedies as teaching points, or as a means to His end. We then read Matthew 7:7, which is "Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened to you." However, when she asked to read me the version she had pulled up on her tablet, I was humbled, when she read it aloud. "Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened for you." I have said it before, and I will continue to say it... I DO NOT LIKE ASKING FOR HELP... even if I really, really need it. But this had an immediate affect on me, and I could feel my embarrassment rising. I could feel my temperature rise, and I knew my cheeks were turning red. God sent these ladies into my life, so that I might be humbled, once again. I need to keep asking for help. I can't just ask once or twice. I need to keep letting people know that I NEED HELP. My finances are poor. I am given a once-a-month allowance, that has to last me the whole month. And most months it doesn't. This month, I got yet another notice that lot rent has been increased, for a second year in a row. I didn't know of the increase last year, though, because the flyers were distributed poorly, and because I don't have a vehicle, I didn't get one. I wasn't told until the beginning of this year, that lot rent had been increased 9 months prior. I panicked, and asked how much I owed them, if that was the case, and was told, they would not be collecting on the back rent, as I was not the only one, who wasn't aware of the increase. That was an absolute relief! But, everyone in the park got the notice, this time, thankfully, as flyers were delivered door-by-door, and taped to the residents' doors, AND they were posted on all the mailboxes. But that means that my lot rent has gone up $35 a month, since the beginning of the year. My COLA doesn't even cover that amount. And then there is the inflation that has affected our Nation, as a whole, and continues to rise steadily. And, the end of the Pandemic Benefits, that were fulfilled by our individual States... I lost a total of $135 a month, because not only did they take away the end of the month benefit, they also took away an extra $20 a month from my normal food allotment. And the school boards are threatening to raise property taxes, and I still owe last year's property taxes, as well as this year's Spring Taxes. How are those of us, on a fixed disability income, supposed to survive all these increases to our bills??? Well, Matthew 7:7 says that we are to keep asking for help. Which means I can't keep asking for help once, and then running away. I have to be diligent in my prayers, of asking, and believing I will receive. I have to keep that faith, that I will receive, but not give up asking. So, I will be coming each day, and posting, so that I might be covered, on my needs. God says that is what I am to do, so I have to eat my humble pie, EVERY DAY, and even though I loathe asking for help, keep doing it anyway. So, here I am asking, yet again, if you would be willing to help me pay my back-taxes, and help me to cover the rising cost of my bills, and groceries. I am struggling, and I want to make sure that my pets and I lack for nothing we need. I also still need some help, to go and pick up the washer and dryer that are waiting for me, in the next County over. The laundry is piling up, more and more, because I am only willing to do the bare necessities, that I can hang to dry, in my spare bedroom. Please remember that my back-taxes from last year, increase by 0.75% per month, until they are paid in full, AND they are threatening to sell my home for a fraction of its cost, if they are not paid by a certain date. My meager $200 a month, I get in SNAP Benefits, is not going nearly as far, as it did, prior to the Pandemic. That extra allotment each month was such a blessing! But now that has been revoked, along with $20 that I used to get normally. I don't know how people manage to buy $200 worth of groceries every week, when I struggle to buy that amount on a monthly basis. If I was in better health, I might try growing my own produce, at least, but I can't even keep after the weeds. And that's during a drought! *smh*

Please, if you have anything extra, that you can spare, I would appreciate anything you are willing to give. This means, but is not limited to: donations, help with groceries, that are not covered by Food Stamps, anything purchased from my Amazon Wishlists, transportation to and from getting my new/used washer and dryer, or funds to help cover the cost, a simple share of my GoFundMe link, so others might see it, and last but not least importantly, prayers. The more prayers sent on my behalf, the more I know God hears my petitions. Thank you for reading, and thank you for any, and all help given.

Blessings,

Grace

4/20/2023

Hello All,

I just wanted to make you aware of my current situation. I had some extra expenses again this month, and without thinking about it, I had Styles Checks take the money I owed them for new checks, out of my account. This made me short on my Verizon bill, and I need about $60 to cover the difference. They tried to take the money out, but I didn't have enough funds to cover the transaction, so it was declined.

I also received this lovely certified letter(pictured), from the Lancaster County Tax Collection Bureau... I need to come up with $677.58 by April 30th, in order to avoid incurring more late fees, and possibly losing my home, for a fraction of the cost of what it's worth.

H E L P ! ! !

Please, I cannot lose my home. It's just struggle after struggle, and I am STILL getting medical bills, even though United Healthcare said they cover everything, and I have no co-pays! Well, I found out why today. Apparently, I've had secondary insurance, since January 1, 2023, but I didn't know about it. I kept receiving mailings, but I didn't know they were actually secondary insurance. I thought they were just some random company that the State picked out for me, before they knew I was enrolled in United Healthcare. Today, I found out that United Healthcare is only my Medicare insurance, and that this Community Health Choices, is actually my secondary insurance, through Medicaid... I feel a bit stupid. I've been throwing their stuff away, like it's been junk mail, this whole time! *face palm* So I made some calls today, and got everything straightened out, having them send me a new card, because I threw the old one away, and I got a whole bunch of appointments scheduled, that I needed to have taken care of(mammogram, blood labs, DEXA Scan, etc.). I kept having to put off the mammogram, because of the hives, but I think, now that I'm on the right combination of medicines, I won't have to deal with them anymore. *fingers crossed*

I have a friend who is willing to sell me their washer and dryer for $300 for the pair, but I need to find someone with a truck, or a big van, to help me to pick them up, and physically bring them to my house. If anyone would be able to help me with that, I would be so very grateful. We can discuss details through direct messages, on Facebook, or some other platform, we might be connected through.

I still need to pay my 2023 Spring Taxes. If I pay them on or before April 30th, I get the 2% discounted rate of $135.62. But if I pay them between May 1st - June 30th, the base rate is $138.39.

Please, I just want to be debt free, and be able to do my laundry here in my own home. Because I don't drive anymore, it's too difficult for me to go anywhere, to do my laundry, at a laundromat. If you are able to help, in any way, whether it's a monetary donation, helping me to physically pick up the "new" washer and dryer, purchasing items from my Amazon "Necessities" list, sharing my GoFundMe story, on your own social media platforms, or even just praying, I would greatly appreciate any and all of those things. I just want to not be driven crazy by the anxiety of not being able to pay for these things. I become physically ill, worrying about how I will pay for all the things that need to be paid for. And if I have a more serious emergency, beyond that of the dryer breaking down? What will I do then? I just want to not live in fear of losing my home, or choosing bills, over groceries, every single month. With your help, my mind could rest easy, instead of always thinking, "What if...?"

Thank you for reading my update, and for any help you are able to provide. God bless you, All.

3/25/2023

Well, crap! It's the wee hours of the morning, and I was trying to finish up a load of laundry. My dryer just died. Like, dead as a doornail... it was used, prior to me getting it back in 2018, and it has served me well, for nearly 5 years. But it started making a terrible noise, and I "ran" to check on it, but it was too late. So, now I am in need of a new clothes dryer... because, of course I am...

If I could still drive, I would just take it to the laundromat, but, I don't. And I don't have anyone I can just ask, at any time of the day or night, whenever I'm doing laundry(usually at night, because I have a super irregular sleep schedule). *sigh* Why is it, when I think I might just be able to finally pull through, everything falls apart, and I wind up worse off, than I was before? It's so maddening not being able to be self sufficient! I can't even manage my own health, on my own! And now, the household chores have come to a screeching halt, because I have no way of drying my laundry. Truth be told, I think it's only a matter of time before my washer goes out, too. It doesn't always drain. Sometimes, it just goes through the cycles on the dial, but the actual drum just sits there full of clothes, and water, and suds... I guess I should have been more proactive, since I knew these were older, used appliances, and replaced them, when I had some of my inheritance left. But I'm of the mindset, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Sadly, this mindset has not served me all that well, over my lifetime. You would think I would learn from past experiences, but no... what is the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results? I'm just so tired of struggling, and I'm tired of having to ask for help all the time. I just want to be able to survive, on my own, without begging, or bothering people. I guess, I just want to be like my Mom. She was able to do it on her own. But then... she never had to ask. Between my brother and his wife, and myself, coming to help her, before she even had to ask, we kept her going. We kept her pantries full, and we made sure she had clean clothes. Her bills were always paid on time. She always had a ride to all of her appointments. I wish I had the kind of help she had... the kind that never had to be asked. The kind that anticipated her needs, and fulfilled them before she even had the chance to feel like she had a need. But I DO have needs, and this is the only way I can seem to get them out into the world, so they can be met. I'm still playing catch-up, on the medical bills I owe, from the last few years, and I still owe last years property taxes... a total of $672.83 for both the Spring and the Fall taxes. And that's the amount due, IF I get that amount into the Tax Claim Bureau, by March 31st. I don't know how they assess the value on the property... I live in a mobile home. It's made of cardboard, held up by wooden studs, and it standing on 8 pillars of cinder blocks. I believe the total size of my property is ¼ acre, and the land itself, is uneven, overgrown with weeds of varying kinds, and almost unmanageable by the poor guy, who mows my lawn each Summer. How they think that my home, and this plot of land that it sits on, is worth that value, and that it continues to gain in value, each year, is beyond me. A mobile home is just like a car, as soon as it's driven off the lot, it depreciates in value. But the Property Assessment Office doesn't view it that way. They see a home, sitting on a property, and assign it a value, just by looking at the outside. They don't take into account, that it's literally falling apart, from the inside, out.

I really thought that this was going to be a nice home for me. It's in a nice location, with a few nice neighbors nearby. It was in close proximity to my PCP, and a lot of my good friends. BUT... my insurance changed, and my PCP no longer took my insurance, so now I have to travel all the way into Lancaster to see ALL of my physicians, I no longer drive, because my health became too unpredictable, not to mention, it also became too expensive to own and maintain a car, and the good friends I had, all stopped talking to me, when I could no longer drive them places. I haven't seen many of them, since my Mom passed away. They haven't reached out to me, and for a long time, I couldn't reach out to anyone, because of the depression, and pain, of losing Mom. I just felt like I needed to stay home, by myself, because I didn't want to be that person who was sad all the time, and brought everyone else's moods down. That would have been unfair of me to do, and I didn't want to hurt my friends that way. But they did nothing to try to boost my mood, either. So, all in all, at best, it was a stalemate, and we no longer see anything of each other. If I was even the slightest bit healthier, I might try to meet them in town, on a nice day, if I felt up to walking that far. But my health is so unpredictable, that I never know how I'm going to feel, hour to hour, let alone, day to day. I tried to get together with my family in January, so we could FINALLY celebrate Christmas together, from not only 2022, but 2021 as well. I became ill, the first time, and I had been exposed to Covid, so I wasn't sure if I had that, or something else. But regardless, I didn't want to expose my family to any kind of illness, since they have school and work, and really couldn't afford to take the time off from either one. We postponed for 2 weeks, and that's when my hives struck. I have no idea what I may be allergic to now, and I won't find out until October, because that was the soonest they could get me in, but I was itchy, and uncomfortable, I was dirty and sweaty from trying to finish up the last little bits of cleaning, before they came, and I had no energy to take a shower before they came to visit. So, I asked if we could postpone again, and I haven't heard anything from them since that day. I told my brother, I'd like to aim for the end of February, but he never responded to that message, and February came and went, and March is almost over. Not a call, not a text, no communication whatsoever. I truly love my family, but it really upsets me, that they never put forth any effort, to talk to, or visit me. I understand they have busy lives, but I would think they might find time, at least one or two days out of an entire year, to spend with me. I officially haven't seen them in over 2 years now. They know nothing of my struggles, and back when I received my inheritance, they made it very clear, that they didn't care to know. This hurts my heart, but I can't force them to have a relationship with me. I can't MAKE them care. It is a conscious choice. LOVE is a choice. You cannot force someone to love you. That's the whole reason God gave us free will. So that we could CHOOSE to love Him. But how many have turned a blind eye toward Him? How many have turned their backs on Him, completely? I think I can understand how God feels. He created us, to love Him, but gave us the ability to choose whether we wanted to or not, and even though He loves ALL of us, not all of us, choose to love Him. And that must hurt His heart very deeply. He sacrificed His only Son for us, and still, some choose to ignore him completely, or blatantly defy His commandments. It makes Him sad, but still He loves us.

Anyway, I've gotten off-topic here. I need a new clothes dryer. We are not allowed to have clothes lines, here, unless they are the umbrella type, and I'm so allergic to pollen, dust and mold, that hanging them outside to dry, really isn't the best option for me anyway. If possible, I would like something energy efficient, so that my electric use doesn't increase to double, every time I run it. It needs to be a front-loading dryer, so that I can get my clothes in and out of it, with ease. I think I found one at Lowe's, that's even on sale this week(until March 29th), for only $498(+ 6% sales tax, of course), but I will keep shopping around, and looking for good deals. Occasionally, I'll see a decent pair(Washer & Dryer set) for under $800! If I can, I'd like to replace both appliances, at the same time, since I know that my washer is on its way out, as well. They have both served me well, since Mom passed away, and they don't really owe me anything, so it's time for an upgrade.

If anyone would be willing to help me out, with either last year's property taxes, and/or getting a new clothes dryer(or a new clothes washer and dryer pair), I would greatly appreciate it. I just cannot seem to get ahead, here. I'm doing my best to ignore the collections phone calls, so I don't have a repeat of what happened last month, but things just keep falling apart, or breaking down, and even with the new health insurance, I'm struggling to stay afloat in other ways.

BUT, I did have a wonderful friend, come for a visit, just last Sunday, and she brought me 2 big bags, full of groceries, from ALDI! It was so kind of her to think of me, and it was lovely to visit with her, and to catch up with each other's lives. She was so thoughtful and generous, and I was so pleased to receive such welcome gifts! God's love shines through her, and I love hearing how He is at work, in her life. I'm so happy to have her in my life.

If you are able to donate, to my needs, I appreciate it greatly. No amount is too small. Every donation is accepted with a humble heart, and everything goes towards the aforementioned tax bill, and toward purchasing a new clothes dryer(or washer/dryer pair). If you are unable to donate at this time, please don't think you are unable to help. Just sharing my link on your own social media platforms, helps me immensely, as I have a fairly small social media presence, and am not looking to have it grow any larger than it already is. I don't have time to spend hours and hours each day, on social media. I just want to talk to my close friends, when they're available, on the platforms I currently use(Facebook, Discord and Telegram). Those are all I feel I can keep up with. I honestly find social media quite exhausting, for the most part, and since I already live with chronic illness, chronic pain, and chronic fatigue, I don't want to wear myself out any further, so I am unable to work on the inside of my home, keeping it clean, and making sure I have proper meals to eat. Those things are important to me, and if I neglect them, my health will decline further, and I will have even less energy. I know many of you face the same struggles, on a daily basis. Many of us became friends, because of our shared experiences with chronic conditions. As I said, please don't feel, that you are unable to help, if you can't personally donate. Sharing my link is VERY helpful, and prayers are always welcome, and I know they are heard by my God, who is always listening.

Thank you for reading, and may you have a blessed day!

2/21/2023

Hello, All. I just returned home, from yet ANOTHER doctor's appointment(my 4th one, in a month!), but I think we're all on the same page, now, at least. MY regular doctor is booked out until March, so I saw a different provider today. She was actually really nice, and we talked about what I'm allergic to, and what I'm not allergic to. I was able to take a shower this morning, with some oatmeal body wash, and it helped with the itching, slightly. It made me feel slimy, so I'm not exactly feeling "clean" but less itchy is a start. I'm doing my very best not to scratch, but I wiggle and rutch a lot, and I have to sit on my hands, often, so I don't keep on scratching, uncontrollably. The doctor I saw today, wrote some scripts for a couple of medications, I used to take for Idiopathic Hives, back in 1998-2001. I got them a couple months before my brother got married, and my doctor, then, was finding that I was allergic to all the standard medications that most people take for an allergic reaction. It was a lot of trial and error, back then, but we finally found the right combination of medicines, and as long as I took those medications every day, the hives were kept at bay. Please pray that this is the case this time around as well. I'm not sure I can stay sane, until my appointment with the Allergist, in October, if I keep itching like I am, currently. October is the earliest they could fit me in. So, let's just pray that this works, because I'm not sure I'll survive 8 months of itching, like this.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know how things are going with me, health wise. I'm hanging in here, but just barely. 2023 has definitely done me dirty. If life is a card game, I'd like to trade up this hand, please. But I know God will never give me more than I can handle... so I'll keep plugging along. Sometimes, I wish He wouldn't trust me so much. LOL Does anybody else, feel the same way? I mean, besides Mother Teresa?

Financially, I think I'll be ok? I'm waiting for GoFundMe to transfer funds to my bank, so I can pay my State Farm Bills, by the 25th. And then I only have one more bill the rest of the month, and it's only for $7.41. If you would like to donate, to help me with some of my overdue property taxes, or delinquent medical bills, that have gone to Collections, I would appreciate any amount you're willing to give. No amount is too small. The whole reason I am in this financial mess, this year, is because of delinquent medical bills, and one person slipped through my call blocking, and screamed at me, until I paid them what I owed. And then I didn't have enough money for my regular monthly bills. I am grateful to you, who have donated, this month, to keep me from drowning.

That's all for now. Blessings to you all!

Grace

2/11/2023

Hi guys. It's been a hot minute, since I've updated you all... I really thought that 2023 was going to be a great new start, but so far, not so much. 2023 has been hitting me hard, straight out of the gate. Very early, on New Year's Morning, there were two very loud BOOMS, that shook the house. I messaged my friend, in the other lane over, and asked her if she had heard and/or felt that. She did, and we had no idea what it was. It was so loud, it was like something had exploded nearby, and yet, there were no broken windows, we couldn't see any sign of fire, or any commotion outside. I had just started to come down from my anxiety spike, when the second BOOM hit, and I was really freaking out. I wanted to go back outside, to see if I could see ANYTHING at all, but I was too scared. There were no sirens, in response, it was much louder than a gunshot, and much, much louder than fireworks. Just two BOOMS, about half an hour apart, followed by absolute silence. So, yeah... two huge anxiety spikes, before we were even an hour into the new year. I spent days, online, trying to figure out what had caused those sounds, but there had been no storms in the vicinity... the closest lightning strike had been 292 miles away, at the time. Nobody was doing demolition work, at that hour, on New Year's morning, despite the fact that the Keystone Pipeline is running practically right through our backyards. They've been digging the trenches for it, day and night, in all kinds of weather, so they can actually get the Pipeline laid. It's slightly disconcerting, that if this thing springs a leak, it's less than half a mile up the road. It could cause all kinds of problems with the agriculture, should it leak, or worse, catch fire. I understand that it has created thousands of jobs, but what happens, if something goes wrong with it? Who pays the price? Anyway, after searching and searching for any information on unexplained BOOMS, that seemed to just come from nowhere, I think what we experienced, was something called a "Skyquake"... it's a thing... look it up! We had another one, later in January... It absolutely terrified my animals, when they happened. Not that it didn't scare the absolute crap out of me too! So yeah, super high anxiety, right from the very beginning of 2023.

Then, on the 6th, I got a message from my bank, that they had detected fraudulent activity, on my account! WHAT?! So, I called the number the message had told me to call, and, not to sound racist, but someone with a very heavy foreign accent answered my call. I asked him what was going on with my account, and when he asked me a few questions, I was actually hesitant to answer him. I know that sounds awful, and I don't mean to, but I was suspicious, of this poor man, who was only doing his job. Why is it that some old habits die hard? Anyway... I called MY bank, and they did confirm that there was a fraud alert, sent to me. So they connected me to their Fraud Department, and I spoke to someone else(who didn't have a heavy foreign accent *face palm* I'm SO racist!), and they put a block on my debit card, so no more fraudulent activity could occur. But then, I didn't have any way to pay my online bills, so I had to ask my neighbor, to take me to the bank, so they could issue me a temporary card, until my new one could come in the mail. So, having to change my card information, with numerous online accounts, just so I can my bills, not once, but twice in less than a month!

The other annoying thing that has happened, was with my new Insurance Card... now, don't get me wrong, I am super GRATEFUL to have health insurance again... BUT, apparently there was an error printed on the barcode of my United Healthcare U Card, so I am unable to use my OTC Card, IN-STORE, to get over-the-counter items. I can use that card in several ways... to pay some of my utility bills(electric/propane), on over-the-counter items, like my vitamins, minerals, or pain relievers that I take on a daily basis, and on healthy food, at the grocery store, or online, over-the-counter items, fulfilled by Walmart. I have paid my electric and my propane bills, for January and February, and gotten some things I've been running low on, fulfilled by Walmart, at the end of January, and I did the same with this month, because I am STILL awaiting my replacement U Card, in the mail. I called, to ask about it, and they said they could reissue my card, but they didn't want to run the risk of them reissuing it, and having my other card, come in the mail, the next day. My OTC amount expires at the end of each month, so it's a case of "use it, or lose it"... unfortunately, that means I still have to pay, out-of-pocket for my "Tylenol" because the only place that carries it, in the form I prefer, because it absorbs better, is CVS. And at the moment, I am not going to be able to get any more, for this month, because of the NEW TITLE TO MY FUNDRAISER... Collection Agencies are BULLIES!!! They do NOT take "no" for an answer! And with my anxiety being such a problem, having someone scream at me, on the other end of a phone line, for something I have no control over, is absolutely terrifying! I just paid them what they "requested" just so they would stop screaming at me! I probably should have just hung up, but I was scared they would just call back, and be even more angry that I hung up on them. So, yeah, after carefully budgeting out for this month, and thinking I would have all I needed to get the necessities, including my "Tylenol" from CVS, I got screamed into paying an outstanding bill for $265.04 There went my Verizon payment for $115.80, and my State Farm payments, totaling $123.56... and then-some... I really thought I was doing pretty well, financially, this year, until that call came in... I don't understand how they are allowed to speak to people that way! Making threats that you'll go to jail, if you don't pay your bills?! I've heard of having liens put on your home, if you don't pay your taxes, but flat out telling you, you'll be arrested?! Just thinking about it has my heart racing again. I'm never answering a call from a number I don't know ever again!

Speaking of taxes... the Spring Property Tax Bill, for 2023, came in today, and if I pay it before April 30th, I get a small discount. The discounted amount is $135.62, in case there's anyone who would like to help me out, in that department... I still have to pay LAST YEAR'S property taxes, at the penalty rate... *sigh*

Another thing I've been dealing with, this year, is more health issues. I had an appointment with my PCP on January 9th, and I finally let her talk me into getting the pneumococcal vaccine, since my new insurance had asked me if I had received it yet. At the same time, I got my flu shot, in my other arm. I went home, and I took a nap, even though my arms were sore, and I could hardly stand to lie on one side, or the other. I felt fine the next day, and went out with some friends, to a diner, and then to hang out at Round 1, at Park City Mall. We had a fun time for a couple of hours, and then we all went home. The next day, one of our friends, messaged the group, that he had tested positive for Covid. I had made plans with my family, to finally get together for Christmas, on the 15th, but now, having been exposed to Covid, I wasn't sure we'd still be able to get together. I let my brother know, and he asked when I would know for sure, and I said I should know by Saturday, at the latest. Sadly, I started feeling very poorly, on Thursday, and messaged him to tell him that whether I had Covid, or not, I wasn't feeling well, so he opted to reschedule, so my nephew and niece wouldn't get sick, during rifle season, at school(Yes, they are BOTH on the rifle team, and are apparently very good at it!). I didn't get my at-home Covid tests, in the mail, until Monday of the following week, so by the time I tested, I was testing negative. For as long as it lasted, though, I think I just had a reaction to my vaccines. So, I continued to work on the house some more, and clean, and organize, and plan to have friends help me rearrange the furniture, before my family was due to come and visit, again. They had decided to schedule for the 29th, and I was a cleaning fiend! I was dusting, and vacuuming, and washing EVERYTHING! But, come the day before, I started getting uncontrollable hives, on my hands, arms, and chest. My feet and ankles also started swelling uncontrollably, hence the latest photo update. Sunday, I was so uncomfortable that I couldn't stand myself. And I still needed a shower, before my family came. I asked if they could give me a little more time to prepare for them, but they said they could only stay until a certain time. I was disappointed and dismayed. I really wanted to see them, but I didn't want to set such a short time limit on our visit. So, this time I asked if we could reschedule. I didn't want to, but I really wanted to get a shower, and try to get my hives calmed down, before they came, and I was also not entirely satisfied with how the house looked. I asked if they were mad, and my brother just told me they wanted to be able to relax and spend the time with me, and not have me be uncomfortable physically, or with the state of the house. So, I told him that we could try for the end of February, and the house should be the way I see it in my head, and I won't feel like I'm in panic-mode, trying to get everything done, before they come. Fast forward to Tuesday, and I've still got hives, and I can't stop scratching. My friend took me to the ER, and when I told them why I was there, and that I'm allergic to Benedryl and Prednisone, they asked me what I wanted them to do for me. I had this happen before, years ago, just a few months before my brother and his wife got married, and my doctor at the time, tried everything he could think of. He tried me on Allegra... I was allergic. He tried me on Zyrtec... I was allergic. He tried Hydrocortisone cream... allergic. I already knew I was allergic to aloe vera... finally, he tried me on a combination of two tricyclic medications, and they worked very well together. So, when I went to the ER, I suggested some Claritin, and some Pepcid(it is a Histamine-2 blocker, as well as an antacid!). That was in Triage. M friend and I sat in the Waiting Area for over 3 hours, and when we finally got back to a room, they looked me over, told me they'd write scripts for the Claritin and the Pepcid, and said that it looked like I had a yeast infection on my chest, so they were going to send a script in for Nystatin Powder. I seemed to recall having a bad reaction to Nystatin, when I was going to May Grant, and told the doctor as much, but she just shrugged it off, and sent in the script anyway. The 24-hour Pharmacy didn't have any of the powder in stock, and said they had to order it, but I old the pharmacist not to bother, because I don't live anywhere near that pharmacy, and wouldn't be able to pick it up. He didn't listen, and when I had my doctor call the powder into my regular pharmacy, my pharmacist called me and told me it was too early to have it refilled. I told her I never had it filled, at the 24-hour Pharmacy, so she asked for their information, so she could get them to reverse it, so my regular pharmacy could fill it. My neighbor took me up to get it, and asked if I needed a powder puff for it. She said she had unopened ones, if I needed one. I accepted her off, and thanked her. GUESS WHAT?! I AM allergic to Nystatin! Because of course I am! So, now that my hives have hives, and my "yeast infection" has hives, I call to make a follow-up appointment with my PCP, and I have to see the NP. When I go in, to see her, she needs to go check in with one of the other providers, at the practice where I go, to see what she should prescribe for me. The other provider suggested Pepcid... which I was already taking, and it wasn't helping at all. So I suggested the two tricyclic medications, that my old PCP had put me on, back in 1998, and she was concerned because one of them was so much like Benedryl, that she worried I would have an allergic reaction to it. I told her I never had, in the past, and I had been allergic to the Benedryl, in the past, so she agreed to put me on one of them. The hives have all but disappeared, but I am still SO ITCHY! She did write me a referral to an allergist, though, so that will be coming up in the future, and hopefully we can find out definitively what I am, and am not, allergic to. It sometimes feels like I am allergic to EVERYTHING! So, after all that, I am still alive, but I am itchy, and I'm poor!

You know... I wish I would win the lottery... but I'm told you have to play it to win it, and I don't have that kind of money to waste. If I did win the lottery, though, I would pay all the property taxes I owe, all my medical bills, that have gone to collections, pay back any of my friends, from whom I've borrowed, pay for a new washer and dryer, make a few donations to worthy charitable organizations, make some donations to a few medical research funds, that are close to my heart, and then give the rest to my nephew and niece, for college. I might take a few friends out for a nice dinner first... The ones who have really stuck by me while times have been tough, you know? They definitely deserve it, after listening to me whine about being in pain, about missing my Mom, about being lonely, about not having decent health insurance, about not being able to spend more time with my family, about not having enough money to pay my bills... man, I sure do whine a lot, don't I? God deserves the biggest dinner of all, though, as He has been so faithful, by giving me friends who genuinely care about me, and who show His love, though their generous donations, and kind acts of service. I know that He is the one who puts my cries for help, out where they can be seen and heard by you all, whether you are financially able to help, able to lend an ear, when I need someone to talk to, or just share my links, with your friends, if that's all you're able to manage. Sometimes, one click, is all it takes to connect someone who is in need, with the person, or people, who are able to meet that need. Anyway, if you've made it through this insanely long update, thank you so much for reading. I appreciate you spending the time to read how things have been going, in my life.

Many Blessings to all of you,

Grace

12/9/2022

Why is it, that whenever we owe the government money, they give us a shortest deadline possible? But when the government owes us something(like healthcare), they have to check every tiny little detail, before giving us what we desperately need??? *tears hair out*

My Ambulatory Collaborative Care Team Worker, called me, to tell me that the County Assistance Office was having trouble making out some of the figures we sent them. God FORBID, they should call ME and ask ME to clarify those numbers for them!!! I've been calling them for 2 weeks, to try to get some information about whether or not I've been approved, and I have gotten zero replies. Nobody has even attempted to call ME about my case. But my ACCT Worker calls, and they tell her everything she wants to know. Thankfully, SHE was able to clarify the figures for them, so hopefully, NOW, I will get approved, so that I can get my very much needed income increased, by freeing up, what I'm paying out of pocket, for my Medicare Part B, and covering my Medicare Part D, so I can afford my prescriptions again, and not have to pay over $1700 for just 3 prescriptions, out of the dozen that I take. It is just SO FRUSTRATING, having to put up with government red tape, when you're struggling as much as I am. I NEVER should have had to use my inheritance, left to me, by my Mom, to cover my medical costs for the last 3½ years! That money should have been left in some sort of back-up, so that if I have an emergency, like an appliance stops working, or Apache needs to go to the vet, or I need to cover a deductible on a homeowners policy, because some wind blows the shingles off my house again, I can pay those things, and not have to worry about raising funds. But, NOOOOO! I had to spend that money down, on medical equipment, and prescriptions, and medical bills, that my Medicare, alone, doesn't cover. The money that my Mom left to me, to help make my life easier, had to make my life more difficult! It's not fair, and it's not right! That money was for emergencies! Well, now it's gone! It's been gone since July, and I've been trying to get all of this rolling since then! And these offices that are supposed to help people in need, take their sweet old time, to do the job they get paid for! And they don't even bother to call their clients, to ask questions, if they have them. My Patient Advocate, from ACCT, had to make the calls, and they told her everything that was holding up my case. SHE fixed the problem. What about people who don't HAVE a Patient Advocate??? Do those people just have to wait forever to find out if they are approved or denied??? I am so angry, I could spit nails, right now! I need this assistance, 5 MONTHS AGO!!! And they're just dragging their feet, and not even bothering to call, and ask me what they need to know, even though I've called them every other day, for the last 2 weeks! Does anyone else see a problem here? Or is it just me?

I'm not even ashamed to say, that I cry EVERY SINGLE DAY, wondering where the money will come from to pay my bills, so I don't have to "rob Peter, to pay Paul" as the saying goes. I can't even afford to buy groceries, with the little bit of SNAP Benefits I'm given each month! I was so embarrassed on Wednesday. I had to put half of the items in my cart back, and my friend, who takes me shopping, STILL had to help me pay for the rest of my groceries, because I needed all the rest of it! That is so embarrassing! I am so thankful, for friends like him, who help me out when I need it. I am grateful to all of you, who have donated to my fundraiser, since I first posted in August. You know who you are. You are Angels, walking among us. God has given you hearts of compassion, and has blessed you, so you are able to bless others. I appreciate everything you have done for me! I don't know what I would have done the last 4 months, without your help...

Please, if you are reading this, I implore you to call and speak to your State Representative, in order to change some of the laws, regarding people in need of government assistance, like me. It should NOT be this difficult, to be approved for simple medical assistance, so that we can pay for our prescriptions, and other medical expenses, without having to beg for money, to cover the costs of bills, because we had to choose between prescriptions and electricity... we had to choose between eating, and paying a medical bill... I understand that they have to pay attention to the details, to prevent things like fraud, from happening, but waiting 5 months, to be approved for Government Assistance Programs, is unacceptable! What if I had had to stop taking one of my life-sustaining medications, in that period of time??? As it is, I've been without two medications, that help me to live a more comfortable life. I have asthma attacks, almost daily, now, because I've been without my Asthma Maintenance medication for 2 months! Thank God for my Rescue Inhaler! I've been without my GERD Medication, for a month, and thankfully, the medicine I asked for, to treat the effects of being without that medication, isn't too expensive for me to take. But I shouldn't have to change my diet completely, to try to prevent my GERD symptoms from breaking through. I'm already limited, with what I can eat, because of my Celiac Disease! Gluten-free food is EXPENSIVE!!! And when I have to limit my diet even further, to where I can't eat anything acidic, like tomatoes, or even apples, because they're too acidic, because I'm without my GERD medication, it makes my life absolutely miserable. I can't live off of plain white rice, and plain mashed potatoes! I need meat! I need vegetables! I need a balanced diet! I need to be able to afford milk, so that I can soothe my stomach, from creating so much acid that it literally burns lesions into my esophagus! Something has got to change, so that people can get the help that they need, and not have to suffer, while they're waiting for that help!

I've said it before... I am grateful to sites like GoFundMe, to help people like me, raise funds, so that we can keep on living, while we wait! I am thankful for all of you, who bless people like me, who are in need! You truly are Angels! God has blessed you, so that you can bless others! And you are wonderful people for donating to fundraisers, like mine, rather than being miserly with your money. At this time of year, I see "A Christmas Carol" playing everywhere, in a multitude of variations... Thank you for being the Scrooge, at the END of the story, and not the one, at the beginning of it! May God continue to Bless You, and may the Christmas Spirit be with you all year long! Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Blessed Kwanzaa! Blessed Yule! Have I missed anyone?

Thank you for reading my long-winded update, and I thank you for your help, and your generous donations!

Sincerely,

Grace

11/14/2022

I guess I should know by now, not to post updates, with good news in them. Because I always feel like I'm taking one step forward, and then two steps back. I am still in need of my medications, but these are my cheaper ones. I don't think any of them cost me more than $30 a prescription. But I have 3 of them waiting at the pharmacy for me. Add to that, the Electric Bill, and the State Farm Bill (they called this morning, to tell me I have to pay them bu Midnight tomorrow, to avoid cancelation of my insurance) I posted in my update from a few days ago, the non-food essentials(toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies), and now a new Filter for my furnace! I've lived here 7 years now, and I've always been able to just vacuum out the filter, and keep going, "just one more year" without having to replace it. But apparently, this is the year that I NEED to replace it. Because, of course it is.

Would anyone be able to help me out, please? I just can't quite get ahead of all this debt! Every time I think I'm finally, getting ahead of this, something comes out of the blue, to knock me back down, and prove me wrong. It is so frustrating, it being the middle of November, and I still haven't turned on my heat, because I know that the cost of propane has increased. But I have GOT to replace this filter this year, and I'm not even sure how much they are. But I don't want to turn the heat on, with the filter being so dirty, and possibly cause a fire. That would be even worse than the debt! I wouldn't have a place to live anymore! 

If you are able to donate, I appreciate anything. No amount is too small. If you are unable to donate, if you could post my link to your Social Media, that would be a great help, too. Any and all help is appreciated, especially prayers! As always, thank you for reading, and for any help you are able to provide. God Bless You!

11/2/2022

Hello, everyone. I am currently suffering the of my GERD. I actually went in for an appointment, this afternoon, with a patient advocate, from the Ambulatory Collaborative Care Team, to help me get my applications for medical assistance and LIHEAP, filed again, and because the meeting was at my doctor's office, I asked if they could squeeze in an emergency visit, so I could see if anything could be done about the lesions in my esophagus, caused by the intense acid reflux caused by my GERD. I saw the nurse practitioner, and she sent in a prescription for Sucralfate, which when ground up, and added to water, turns into a slurry, that binds to the open wounds in my esophagus. This has worked in the past, to help heal what has already been damaged, and to help prevent further damage, but it is not a good fix. I really need my Dexilant, because it's been the only medication that stops my severe case of GERD, from burning my esophagus on a daily basis. I have officially been out of my Dexilant, for a week, and this is already the damage that has been caused. I find it difficult to eat or drink anything, and the reflux is so intense, I have begun to vomit stomach acid. I am in terrible pain, and I'm finding it difficult to sleep. Hopefully this time, I will successfully be approved for Medical Assistance, which will make my prescriptions a tiny affordable co-pay, and will free up what I am paying out of pocket, for Medicare Part B. I thought I would be ok without it, but it's much harder than being without my Singulair. At least, if I have an asthma attack, I still have my rescue inhaler. But this is really bad. Dexilant is a Protonic Pump Inhibitor, which means it turns down the amount of acid, my stomach produces, so it doesn't keep coming up my esophagus and burning the lining. This is causing me a lot of pain, and discomfort, and is disrupting my quality of life, drastically. If you are able to donate, I would appreciate it so much. I constantly feel as though I have something hot, in my esophagus, and that it is pushing outward. I have swelling, and there is nothing I can take for the relief of it. This past week has been absolutely miserable, without this important medication. The Dexilant costed $615 and change, the last time I filled it, in July, but it may be more, with the rising inflation costs. If you could please help me get this vital medication, you would be improving my quality of life, greatly. Thank you so much for reading, and thank you for any help you are able to provide! God Bless!

I was hoping that the amount I had set for my campaign, originally, would be enough to get me out of debt, until my secondary insurance kicked back in, so I could afford my medications, but this has not happened. I just can't get the State of Pennsylvania to approve my Medicaid, again. I've been trying for months, but because I still had money from the inheritance my Mom left for me, they refused to approve my application. They said if I had money, then I had to use that, and reapply when it was gone. Well, it's been gone for 3 months now, and they still won't approve my application. Please help me so I can afford my medication AND my monthly bills!

Hi, my name is Grace. I am 43, and disabled, and on a very small, fixed income. I've been struggling, financially, for about 3 years. My mom passed away in 2017, and left me a small inheritance, but because of that inheritance, I lost my secondary insurance and my Part B Medicare... I have no Part D Prescription Insurance. So I've been paying out of pocket for my Part B Medicare, medical costs, and all of my prescriptions, plus property taxes, home maintenance, and emergency vet bills, for my cat, for the last 3 years. I'm chronically ill, with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Celiac Disease, and Gastroparesis, which leaves me unable to work, to supplement any income, and my specialized diet costs me above what I receive for Food Stamps each month. In July, I paid out what was left of my inheritance for my very expensive prescription medication. And then I had 2 trips to the ER in August, and 2 trips to my PCP's Office, and an Urgent Care Clinic visit. These are only the medical bills I'm aware of at the moment($51.06 and $25.14), but I'm either going to let them fall to Collections, or I won't have enough for my utilities... I can tell I'll already be short, because I've been having to short the utility companies, so I could afford other things, like my prescriptions that I CAN afford, and food, that I just don't get enough in Food Stamps, to be able to afford. All this inflation, of late, has been really detrimental to my finances. I also haven't paid my Spring school taxes yet, and my Fall real-estate tax bill just came in the mail at the end of July. The overdue cost for the Spring taxes is $247.81, and the discounted cost for the Fall taxes is $437.36, if I pay it before October 31, 2022. I also have delinquent taxes, that have been sent to Collections, already, which total $117.50... I owe the Electric Company $183.07, plus any fees I've incurred, since I didn't pay the full amount last month, and I owe State Farm $55.12, for last month's missed payment and this month's payment, and another $95.49 for my quarterly Homeowner's Insurance, which is a total of $150.61. However, this does not include my monthly prescription costs, and the cost of essentials, that my Food Stamps don't cover at the grocery store, like Paper Goods (i.e. toilet paper, tissues, paper towels), and cleaning supplies. The cost of what I owe in bills and for prescriptions is a grand total of $2,540.33! (This does not include the $775 that has already been donated for previous expenses.) I am drowning in debt here! And I honestly don't know what else to do! I clip coupons, I use GoodRx, and I scrimp and save where I can, but this is beyond me. I've been able to keep a roof over my head, and food in my belly, but for how much longer? I have the cheapest cellphone plan available to me, that can keep me connected to my doctors, and to the offices I need to reach, in order to pay my bills(when I can afford to), and try to find ways of making things more affordable to me. But heating season is coming up, and I will need to have my Propane Tanks filled. Please, I am absolutely desperate, or I wouldn't even be asking. This has literally taken all of my pride, to post these updates. My health was already poor, and now I've been having to go to the ER, and back to my PCP, for follow-ups, and they haven't been able to fix the problem. I've had to completely change my diet, AGAIN, so that I don't make things worse than they are, but it hasn't helped. I'm still suffering the ill-effects of my first infection, since I became immuno-compromised, in 2018. Long-Covid has not helped matters any, and being without my asthma medication, and now, without my GERD medication, my health will only decline more rapidly, and require more frequent visits, and possibly other medications. I absolutely loathe having to ask for help, but what else can I do? God has always provided for me, and I trust that He still will, but God helps those, who help themselves. I've had to swallow my pride and ask for help. It's embarrassing and humbling, but being embarrassed is better than being homeless, and without basic necessities. I hate that I have had to increase my goal, since I started this campaign, but the sooner I get the help I need, then HOPEFULLY, I will be able to take it down, and not have to ask again. I am praying for a miracle, that I can get my benefits reinstated, and I will no longer have these huge prescription and medical expenses, and I can hopefully find resources to help me more easily afford my utilities. But right now, I am struggling to find any help, for my situation, other than GoFundMe. I am grateful, that there are sites like this one, who help people like me, who have fallen on hard times. Thank you for reading my story. May God Bless you, as you bless others with your generous donations!