Scott Tillman

I never thought I would be in a position like this, but I’m asking for help because I truly don’t have another option. I’ve spent the last 24 years teaching in Title 1 schools, often using my own money to support my students. Being there for kids has always been my purpose. But right now, I’m the one who needs help. In November 2024, I lost three paychecks—about $7,800—after getting sick, when my leave request was denied. That single setback started a chain reaction I haven’t been able to recover from. To make things worse, I had to stop taking my diabetes medication because it costs over $300 a month. Three weeks ago, I went in for a checkup and my A1C came back at 10.6, which is dangerously high. Now, I’m facing something immediate and devastating: My car is scheduled to be repossessed in 2 days. Without a car, I won’t be able to get to work, and everything I’ve worked for will unravel. Over the past few years, I’ve also faced: Identity theft that wiped out my savings A 9-day hospital stay and major surgery removing part of my intestines Additional medical bills and injuries Because of this, my credit has dropped below 530, and I’ve had to rely on high-interest loans just to survive. Right now: I need about $6,000 to secure reliable transportation I owe $6,500 to my credit union I owe $1,200 in legal fees I owe $3,500 to family and friends who already helped me I have no savings left. I’ve even started selling my personal belongings locally just to try to come up with the money, but it’s not enough in the time I have. I’m 50 years old, and instead of enjoying life, I’m trying to figure out how to not lose everything. I don’t have a large support system. It’s just me and my dog, Aria, who has been my only constant through all of this. How Funds Will Help: Prevent total loss of transportation Help secure a reliable vehicle/down payment Cover urgent legal and financial obligations Allow me to restart my medical treatment Closing: I’m not someone who asks for help easily. But right now, I truly need it. If you can donate, thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you can’t, sharing this could make all the difference. Thank you for reading my story and giving me a chance to get back on my feet.