Dear reader,
My name is Ryan, and I’m a 40-year-old animation artist and adjunct professor. I’ve worked hard to build my career in a creative field I’m passionate about, but the past few years have been an uphill battle. I’m reaching out today because I need your support to move forward and rebuild my life.
In 2019, while living in California, I began to lose freelance work, leaving me in a tough financial spot. After months of struggle, I lost my housing and lived in someone’s garage for several months—a humbling and difficult time in my life.
Despite countless applications and setbacks, in 2022, I finally found a job as an adjunct professor in my hometown of Kansas City. While this was a big step forward, I’m still working to recover from years of financial hardship. I’m currently living with my parents and trying to get back on my feet, but it hasn’t been easy.
Last year, I experienced a random and violent attack that left me with significant injuries, including a broken hand. Despite filing a police report, the individual was never arrested, and I was left to shoulder the costs of emergency medical care. My health insurance, with a high $9,500 deductible, barely covered anything, leaving me with thousands of dollars in medical debt. This was on top of the credit card debt I accrued trying to survive during my period of unemployment.
I’m working hard to regain stability, but the financial burden of medical bills and past debt has made it difficult to move forward. My dream is to live independently again and create art that inspires and educates others.
Your donation, no matter how small, will go directly toward helping me pay off medical and credit card debt, secure stable housing, and take steps toward a brighter future. If you’re unable to give, sharing my story with others would mean the world to me.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for your generosity. I’m so grateful for any help you can provide.
With gratitude,
Ryan