This is the last desperate hope of a family about to lose everything. The mom is an invalid after 30 years of fighting a severe autoimmune disease and the dad has primary progressive MS and can no longer work. 2 of their children are autistic and still living with their parents. Their house is about to go into foreclosure and they're still waiting on a decision from Social Security. Please help if you can. If you cannot donate, at least click the "share" button.
Hi, my name is Audrey, but some of you might know me by my artist name, Pogostix. I am 26 years old and I am autistic. This is why I need your help:
I live with my mom and step-dad and my two younger brothers. One of them is also on the Spectrum and both have type 1 diabetes.
In 2012, my Mom was diagnosed with Behcet’s Disease: a devastating autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the blood vessels. Her condition has progressed to the point that she can hardly leave her bed. Between her problems and the boy's diabetes, we have often struggled with medical costs, and now, over the past few years, I’ve been showing the same symptoms my mother had before she was diagnosed with Behcet’s disease.
Despite those difficulties, my stepdad’s job always provided for our needs. He worked hard and took care of us. We always had insurance and were always self reliant. Then suddenly everything changed.
Four years ago my stepdad was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. It's a disorder that destroys nerve pathways in the brain and spinal column. It often leads to long term disability and my Dad's cognitive decline has been faster than anyone expected. In September of 2018 he lost the job he'd had for 14 years due to "downsizing." He found another job fairly quickly but it only lasted 3 months with no real explanation as to why.
In the spring of 2019 my dad accepted a job offer that came with a 30% pay cut. That made things tight, but combined with some help from friends, we were able to refinance our house, get caught up on everything and create a budget within our means. We were even able to turn the main floor family room into a handicap accessible bedroom for my mom. It felt like we were finally on track again, but then, just before the holidays last year, Dad was let go again.
At this point our savings are depleted, his unemployment benefits are about to end and despite applying for hundreds of positions, none has worked out. All the while he's showing more and more signs of neurological problems and the doctor has said it’s probably time to consider disability. He's often not ok to drive but he's still trying to find something he could maybe do from home. Unfortunately, with so many others out of work due to Covid-19, it's been hard to find a position. Mom and I have filed and are waiting for our own disability, but that could take months. And the bank, which has been very patient, is now expecting the house payments we have been unable to make.
Without help, we will lose our house in the next few weeks. Even if we sold the house right now, rent on an apartment would cost more than our current house payment. Also, finding something handicap accessible would be difficult. This home is near the train line so that even though we can't drive we can use public transit. We also invested in solar many years ago which helps reduce our current utility bills. We're trying to rent out a couple of rooms to help make ends meet which we can't do in an apartment so trying to stay put until disability kicks in makes the most sense, but to do that we desperately need your help.
If you've already helped us, thank you so much. If you can't donate, please help us pass this along. If we can spread it far enough then small donations can have a big impact.
Hi, my name is Audrey, but some of you might know me by my artist name, Pogostix. I am 26 years old and I am autistic. This is why I need your help:
I live with my mom and step-dad and my two younger brothers. One of them is also on the Spectrum and both have type 1 diabetes.
In 2012, my Mom was diagnosed with Behcet’s Disease: a devastating autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the blood vessels. Her condition has progressed to the point that she can hardly leave her bed. Between her problems and the boy's diabetes, we have often struggled with medical costs, and now, over the past few years, I’ve been showing the same symptoms my mother had before she was diagnosed with Behcet’s disease.
Despite those difficulties, my stepdad’s job always provided for our needs. He worked hard and took care of us. We always had insurance and were always self reliant. Then suddenly everything changed.
Four years ago my stepdad was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. It's a disorder that destroys nerve pathways in the brain and spinal column. It often leads to long term disability and my Dad's cognitive decline has been faster than anyone expected. In September of 2018 he lost the job he'd had for 14 years due to "downsizing." He found another job fairly quickly but it only lasted 3 months with no real explanation as to why.
In the spring of 2019 my dad accepted a job offer that came with a 30% pay cut. That made things tight, but combined with some help from friends, we were able to refinance our house, get caught up on everything and create a budget within our means. We were even able to turn the main floor family room into a handicap accessible bedroom for my mom. It felt like we were finally on track again, but then, just before the holidays last year, Dad was let go again.
At this point our savings are depleted, his unemployment benefits are about to end and despite applying for hundreds of positions, none has worked out. All the while he's showing more and more signs of neurological problems and the doctor has said it’s probably time to consider disability. He's often not ok to drive but he's still trying to find something he could maybe do from home. Unfortunately, with so many others out of work due to Covid-19, it's been hard to find a position. Mom and I have filed and are waiting for our own disability, but that could take months. And the bank, which has been very patient, is now expecting the house payments we have been unable to make.
Without help, we will lose our house in the next few weeks. Even if we sold the house right now, rent on an apartment would cost more than our current house payment. Also, finding something handicap accessible would be difficult. This home is near the train line so that even though we can't drive we can use public transit. We also invested in solar many years ago which helps reduce our current utility bills. We're trying to rent out a couple of rooms to help make ends meet which we can't do in an apartment so trying to stay put until disability kicks in makes the most sense, but to do that we desperately need your help.
If you've already helped us, thank you so much. If you can't donate, please help us pass this along. If we can spread it far enough then small donations can have a big impact.
Organizer
Audrey K. Morrell
Organizer
South Jordan, UT