I hope this letter finds everyone well, and I express my heartfelt gratitude for reading my plea for help. With a heavy heart and mounting concerns, I am reaching out, seeking compassion and support during an immensely challenging period in my life.
Last year, in May, I was diagnosed with a perplexing central nervous system disorder, the specific nature of which remains unknown to medical professionals. This life-altering condition has resulted in a series of debilitating symptoms, including losing my ability to drive. Consequently, I have become heavily reliant on my husband for transportation, forcing him to sacrifice full-time employment due to the necessity of accompanying me to a minimum of three weekly appointments. I go to physical therapy twice weekly and counseling once weekly.
Moreover, in April of this year, I received an additional diagnosis of fibromyalgia, which compounds the overwhelming pain and physical limitations I endure daily. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of my medical team, we have yet to find a suitable combination of medications to manage the excruciating pain and the other symptoms effectively.
In addition to the personal challenges I face, my family situation adds to the complexity of our circumstances. I have been married for 13 years and have four sons, ages 10 to 36. The oldest two are out of the house. My youngest son is on the high end of the autism spectrum but requires significant care and attention. When the pain confines me to bed, it breaks my heart when he asks me, “Mom, when are you going to get out of bed so we can cuddle and watch a movie?” Cuddling and watching a movie has become our cherished bonding time. He has expressed a strong desire for a computer, but unfortunately, our financial constraints prevent us from fulfilling this wish. He hopes to learn to code and create games and apps to support other autistic children.
Before my health challenges, I worked as an RN Case Manager from the comfort of our home, allowing me to contribute to our household income. Meanwhile, my husband had embarked on a new venture with his construction and remodeling business. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, the company, which is just under two years old, has struggled to attract clients. Consequently, he has relied on sporadic odd jobs and remodel projects as they become available. However, the unpredictable nature of these opportunities, coupled with the considerable time and energy required to accommodate my health challenges, make it incredibly challenging for him to complete projects within a reasonable timeframe.
Moreover, my health challenges forced me to discontinue my pursuit of an MBA program with an emphasis in Healthcare Administration. The inability to focus and process information and constant pain and fatigue made it impossible for me to continue my studies. Additionally, the unpredictability of my condition has led me to stop attending church, as I fear experiencing what I call “an episode” without a proper diagnosis or understanding from medical professionals.
These complex health challenges have severely compromised my ability to contribute financially. I am currently unable to work due to the extent of my medical needs and the demanding schedule of appointments. Meanwhile, my devoted husband has been diligently applying for work-from-home positions, as he must be available to provide the necessary care and support. Despite his efforts, he has faced continuous rejections, making our financial situation increasingly precarious.
Regrettably, the current circumstances leave me unable to afford COBRA benefits as an alternative, as my diminished income does not cover the costs. Consequently, my access to vital medical treatments and ongoing care hangs in the balance, compounding the overwhelming stress I face daily.
For the past year, I have been attending only doctors’ appointments. Occasionally, I muster enough courage to accompany my husband to the grocery store. I may even dare to visit my parents’ house or my sister, who lives closest to me. This time has been incredibly lonely, overwhelming, and stressful for me, but I cannot negate the effects this has had on my family. I constantly fret about my youngest son and how my condition affects him. When I have “episodes,” he gets as far away from me as possible until the “episode” ends.
The compounded effects of my health conditions, coupled with the limitations they impose, have taken a significant toll on our family and even more so on our finances. As a result, we cannot meet crucial financial obligations, including rent, utilities, and other essential expenses that sustain our household. We are behind on our car payments and at risk for repossession.
I humbly implore you to consider extending a helping hand during this time of immense hardship. Your generosity and support would alleviate our immediate financial burdens and provide a glimmer of hope in an otherwise overwhelming situation. By assisting us in covering these essential costs, you would enable us to secure a stable home environment and ensure access to the vital medical treatments that I desperately need. Furthermore, it would allow my son to explore his passion for coding and positively impact the lives of other autistic children.
Any assistance, be it financial or guidance towards available resources, would make an immeasurable difference in our lives. We assure you that we will utilize every contribution judiciously and solely to meet our basic needs and support my ongoing medical care.
Thank you from the depths of our hearts for considering our plea. Your kindness and compassion have the potential to uplift our spirits and provide a lifeline during this trying period. We are forever grateful for any support you can offer and remain open to any suggestions or guidance you may have.
With heartfelt appreciation,
DDC