Lately, it has been hot, so I decided to do something that would make life a little easier. I cooked a bunch of different meals in the crock pot, put them into containers, and froze them. That way, when the weather is hot, I wouldn't have to do much cooking. Then a flyer came in from the local Mexican market. They had pineapples, plantains, mangoes, watermelon, cucumbers—fresh fruits and vegetables at really good prices. They also had beef shanks. So after the gym, I had my caretaker take me to the store. I already had plenty of food at home. I had meals in the freezer, food in the refrigerator, and everything I needed. I wasn't going to the store because I was running out of food. But when I got there, something happened. I felt happy. The store was colorful and full of fresh food. I could choose one of this, two of that, three of something else. I wasn't limited to whatever quantity happened to come in a package. I could actually look at what I wanted and decide what I wa...
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I recently shared a post asking for support during a very difficult time in my life, and I received some comments calling me a "beggar" or accusing me of "money begging."
I want to clarify something: I am not begging. I am asking for help while I try to survive an unexpected and life-altering situation.
There is no obligation for anyone to donate. People are free to scroll past, say no, or simply wish me well. But it's incredibly hurtful when people judge a situation they haven't lived.
I was in a catastrophic accident that was not my fault, and it permanently changed my life. I didn't ask to lose my leg. I didn't ask to spend four months in the hospital. I didn't ask for my body to be permanently altered, my car to be totaled, or my ability to work and support myself to be taken away.
This didn't happen gradually or by choice. It happened in an instant, and it has taken away my health, my independence, and my ability to support myself in the way I always have.
I have also applied for disability. It has been several months, and I am still waiting with no clear timeline or updates. In addition, my legal case took nearly eight months just to be filed due to procedural and legal requirements involving the estate involved in the accident. The legal system moves at its own pace.
The insurance coverage in this case is extremely limited, and the reality is that it does not come close to covering the actual medical costs. There is already a $1.6 million lien attached to my case from trauma care alone, not including my four-month hospital stay, surgeries, ongoing treatment, or recent procedures. The financial impact of a catastrophic injury like this is overwhelming, and it continues to grow.
Meanwhile, I'm here with one leg, recovering from yet another surgery, unable to walk normally, unable to work, and trying to keep a roof over my head. Homelessness in my condition is not an option.
Right now, I am doing everything I can to stay stable, remain in my home, and continue healing. I also have my small family—my dog, my cat, and my fish—who depend on me, and keeping us together is very important to me.
So yes, I'm asking for help because nobody is coming to save me. Disability is taking its time. The legal system is taking its time. My case is taking its time. Meanwhile, life keeps moving, bills keep coming, and I still need a place to live and the ability to care for myself and my animals.
I'm not waiting for someone to rescue me. I'm doing everything I can to save myself, and sometimes strength looks like setting aside your pride and saying, "I can't do this alone."
I understand that not everyone will understand this kind of situation, and that's okay. But I also know there are people who do understand what it means to go through something unexpected and devastating and who choose to help when they are able.
To those who have shown kindness, support, and compassion—thank you. You have made this difficult journey a little less lonely.
If my story resonates with you and you feel called to support my recovery, stability, and basic living expenses during this time, I am deeply grateful.
You can contribute here: GoFundMe link
Your kindness helps me stay in my home, continue medical recovery, and care for my small family—my dog, cat, and fish—who mean everything to me.
accident recovery, amputee journey, disability application, catastrophic injury, medical hardship, trauma recovery, life after amputation, financial struggle recovery, personal survival story, healing after accident
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