Temporary Living Expenses

It was really a blow to find out a few months ago that for the third time in 7 years, I would have to undergo brain surgery – this time the result of a second serious infection. The first surgery, in 2012, was to remove a large brain tumor (thankfully noncancerous). It was removed successfully, but complications required several months of difficult rehab. Then everything was fine until 2016, when I contracted an infection that went straight to my skull bones, some of which had to be removed and replaced with a metal mesh plate. This Thanksgiving, the metal plate itself became infected and had to be removed. In a second operation, a plastic surgeon covered the area temporarily with a “free flap” made from a skin graft. In 3-6 months, when there is no risk of further infection and the flap is completely healed, I will get a 3-d printed plastic skull plate in one last operation.

I don’t really mind losing what little hair I have left (I like colorful scarves), or even having to wear a silly helmet for several months (I’ve done it before!). But being out of commission for months each time means that it takes that much longer to get back up to speed with life and especially work – and that’s what really worries me. Each time, my life gets put on hold. It’s scary. I have lots of really wonderful, supportive friends, whom I’m tremendously grateful for, but I don’t have a spouse or partner to help with the bills, so I’m on my own.

Since I work by the hour, when I’m not working, I’m not earning a living. I am an artist and art teacher, and I love what I do. I work part time for ACE – Adult and Community Enrichment at Suncoast Technical College. I went though my meager savings during the two previous episodes in 2012 and 2016, and have not been able to replenish that “rainy day fund.” I’m trying to figure out what I can do to generate additional income with artwork or something else to give me a buffer against future downtime, but in the meantime, I have to get past this current bump in the road. That’s why I started this GoFundMe page.

My small Social Security check will take care of a few vital bills such as my health insurance premium and utilities, but in a couple of weeks I’ll be pretty much out of money until mid-March when a little teaching income comes in again from the classes that start in February. I expect to need about $2000 to help cover the mortgage and expenses for two months until I’m up to speed again. I’m working hard in physical therapy to build my strength and stamina so that I can go back to my job with full strength. If you'd like to see more of my artwork, my website is www.PatriciaRockwood.com.

I will be forever grateful for any amount that you can contribute. Thank you so much.

Patricia Rockwood