Eliza Rodriguez

I have been sick for a couple years but just was told that I have a very serious and very rare heart and lung condition. In a nutshell, I'm dying of heart failure. My lungs and heart have been affected by an auto immune or connective tissue disorder and the number one way to combat it is to treat the original cause. However, doctors haven't been able to pinpoint what the auto immune or connective tissue disorder is, so they don't know how to treat my pulmonary hypertension and heart failure. I am unable to continue working, can't afford my home (or use the stairs to get into it), will need to sell my car, and I don't have medical insurance. I've applied for disability but that isn't guaranteed, doesn't pay much, and takes a while. I'm looking at moving into low income housing, but that's also not guaranteed, can take a while, and I can't afford moving expenses. The medical bills are already piled up around me and I've got utilities getting disconnected because I have no income. I can't breathe to take a few steps, let alone make it through an 8 hour work day. So far, the specialists (I have many now) have prescribed me new medications, but without insurance or income, I'm unable to pick them up from the pharmacy. This has made it even harder to manage my condition and get the treatment I need. I don't have any family willing/able to help me, and I don't have any savings/retirement. It always seemed like there would be time later to save, but now there isn't. I make too much money for any assistance, on paper, but no money actually coming in, because I'm out of sick time. I am a mother to three amazing kids, Lily, Luke, and Logan. They're 8, 11, and 13. I normally have split custody of them, but they've been staying with their dad more lately because I'm scraping by as far as food, gas, and utilities are concerned. I need to be spending as many of these days as possible with them - and financially, I just can't. Donations will help cover medical bills, medications, moving expenses, utilities, and support for my three children. Without insurance or income, I can't afford the treatments prescribed by specialists, and my financial situation is urgent. From a person who hates to ask for help, I am asking for help. If there's ever a time to do so, it's now. Anything you're able to do—a kind thought, a prayer, a share of my story, a donation, or a resource idea—is more appreciated than you know. From this 41 year old mother in Ohio, I thank you with all that I have.