Jennifer B

My name is Jennifer, and at 55 years old, I never imagined I would find myself in this position. For decades, I devoted my life to being a wife, a mother, a caregiver, and a source of support for the people I loved. Along the way, I faced a lifelong battle with chronic illness, doing my best to keep moving forward no matter how difficult things became. Today, I am facing one of the most challenging seasons of my life. I am living on disability income while managing severe rheumatoid arthritis and other ongoing health issues. Over the years, rheumatoid arthritis has taken a tremendous toll on my body. I have undergone multiple hand surgeries, and by the time my medically necessary surgeries are complete, I will have had both knees replaced, all of my finger knuckles replaced, both wrists operated on, both feet reconstructed, and now a hip replacement. At the same time, I am navigating a legal separation after more than 30 years of marriage. Because I spent much of my adult life focused on my family and caregiving responsibilities as a stay at home mom, and there was no money invested or saved for me,  I do not have the savings necessary to retain legal counsel. I wish I could go back in time and made sure there was something saved for me but I trusted that my husband  would always take care of me Attorney retainers in my area are simply beyond my reach right now. What has surprised me most is not the physical pain. It has been the realization that some of the support I genuinely believed would be there during this chapter of my life is not. The combination of chronic illness, multiple surgeries, financial uncertainty, and the loss of support I thought I could count on has been terrifyingly surreal. Some days it still doesn’t feel real. The funds raised will help with attorney retainers and legal expenses, housing and basic living costs, medical expenses related to chronic illness and surgery recovery, transportation needs, care for my beloved Pomeranians who have been my constant companions through difficult times, and creating stability while I work toward rebuilding my future. Asking for help is not easy for me. It is humbling and heartbreaking to be in this position. But I am choosing to be honest about where I am and what I need. I am not looking for a handout. I am asking for help getting through one of the most difficult seasons of my life so I can recover from surgery, secure legal representation, maintain a safe home, and rebuild a stable future. If you feel led to donate, share this fundraiser, or keep me in your prayers, I would be deeply grateful. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any kindness you are able to offer. With gratitude, Jennifer