Hi, my name is Nicole and I’m here asking for help during a very difficult time for me and my family. I’m a single mom of 2 beautiful boys (11 & 13). I work 2 jobs always trying to make ends meet. In order to do that, I have to work 60 hours a week.

Unfortunately, I have had a significant medical incident, where I have fallen, slipping 3 discs in my back has left me unable to stand, walk, use the restroom, shower, or do any basic needs on my own, including going back to work anytime soon.

I’m unable to care for myself or my children and unable to return to work until I’m healed, which will most likely be after scheduled surgery. This will be a long, slow process, but I will get back to where I need to be.

I work very hard to make ends meet but not being able to work will have a huge financial impact on being able to put basic needs on the table, in the fridge, keeping bills paid, etc. while I go through this process of recovery. ❤️‍

I’ve been at Kaiser Hospital in Walnut Creek since 03/25/24 and currently there is no ETA on going home. However, once home, that’s when all the fun physical therapy, appts with spine surgeon, and trying to learn to do everyday things will all start, while I’m unable to work and make a living and make a "normal" life for my kids.

My kids and my rental mean everything to me, as do my animals. I have a child in elementary school at Westwood Elementary in Concord and a middle schooler at El Dorado in Concord. I just want this to be as easy on them as possible and not have to worry about lights being on, food on the table and in the fridge, wifi not being on, etc. I want their life to be as seamless as possible while mom cannot work and provide.

Any amount to help us get through this unfortunate, scary, dark time, I would be ever so grateful for! I’m never been one to ask for help, but a nurse told me sometimes we need to rely on friends, family, community and faith to get us through life’s hard moments. She said "it's okay to not be okay" and "it's okay to ask for help" - something I always have a hard time doing being an independent single Mama Bear.

So here I am, asking for help, if you have a way to help myself, my kids, my pets, I would be so humbled and grateful! Thank you in advance, my kids and I appreciate it! Much love.