Surgery, Recovery & Transition to Chicago Support

Earlier this month, I fell while exercising and fractured my left radius bone near my wrist. This is not the kind of break I had hoped for before relocating to Chicago to pursue an MFA at SAIC! My immediate concern after falling was work. My livelihood is determined by my ability to create; if I can't move, I can't generate income.

When I learned how bad the fracture was and that I would need surgery, I realized there was no way I could travel to DC for an installation at the KID Museum or complete a 246-ft-wide mural while recovering and trying to relocate cities. After a painful week of sitting with a broken arm before surgery, and a plate, six screws, and 16 stitches later, I’m grateful to finally be on the road to recovery.

I have postponed my projects and look forward to rescheduling them and working on them without the time pressure we were under. Unfortunately, this also means that the income I was counting on to relocate is on hold, and medical bills are quickly accumulating. I am coming to my community for support in getting through this period of recovery and transition to being a student again. Each donation will provide much-needed relief and stability as I recover, prepare for grad school later this month, and navigate the financial stress of medical bills and lost income.

I have surrendered to my family's care and feel incredibly grateful for the kindness, support, patience, and messages I have received. I'm slowly figuring out how to safely do things myself, although I am still leaning on others for much of it, including driving. I've begun occupational therapy and look forward to being able to do almost everything with my left hand in about four months, although full recovery could take up to a year. My first semester at SAIC will be tough, but I will have the necessary accommodations.

Every contribution, share, and message means the world to me! I can’t thank everyone enough for considering this, especially as our community has endless needs. Thank you for lifting me up during this time of need.

I will share recovery, grad school, and project updates on my Instagram: @ycambron!