Hi, my names Amanda and I’m a single mother of a 12 year old boy who is my whole world! I’m 34 and Since I was 12 I’ve suffered from severe Scoliosis, arthritis and numerous other bone and nerve problems having 13 major back operations, including metal rods fused to my spine and then later removed from complications. I’m very prone to infections as well and at age 27 I got diagnosed with degenerative bone disease and found a number of other mostly bone related problems with my hip. I’ve known nothing but chronic pain for most of my life and in the last few years my ability to walk even a short distance is extremely difficult. A few years ago I experienced a very scary, tramadic event where I almost lost my life and from that I became anaphylactic to anything I can take for pain. Even taking a advil will kill me in 10 minutes so I basically just have to live with the pain. I’ve been trying to get on disability but as of now I’m only receiving 900$/mth from assistance without child tax or any other help, and after rent I’m only left with about $150 a month. The only other ways I’ve been able figure out to make any extra money with my limited mobility requires me a car. I have a comprimised immune system so the bus also isn’t the safest for my health especially these days. I feel like I let my son down so often due to me unable to commute us to and from somewhere. I’m currently taking Kadian due to an past opioid addiction I overcame and beat, which requires me to commute to the pharmacy 3 times a week to get my medication. I struggle making sure i get there. The simple things like grocery shopping or the doctors have become a struggle getting to and from, and as my physical health only declines I’m scared for my ability to live day to day and be the best mom I can for my son. Another major concern with not havi g a vehicle is being able to commute my son to and from school! As of right now to get him there requires me and him to take two city busses and a walk that I have a hard time doing physically. Not to mention it costs me $10 each day so when you add that us at the end of the month it’s almost $200 in change I keep having to come up with somehow. It might seem like I should just buy us bus passes but they would still cost almost $80 for each and I’m not able to come up with that all at once. I don’t know what to do and If I just had a car it would take away such a tremendous burden for us in so many ways. It would be the best thing that has happend to me in quite a long time and I can’t express how great ful I would be!!! I cry just thinking about it lol. Sigh…if I had a vehicle I have a few different ways I would be able to make the money every month to pay for gas and insurance. It’s pretty much impossible for me to save up the money to get a car when I’m struggling just to make ends meet right now. I’m not sure if anyone could help me or point me in the right direction of someone who may be able to? It would mean so much and be something I’d never forget and be forever thankful making sure to pay it forward! Thank you to whoever even takes the time to read this small part of my story, and for any help or advice you could give me. I want nothing more than to keep heading in a positive direction but it seems like the world is fighting against me! My son is an amazing young man and not having a car is causing him stress as well, mostly because he sees how hard it is on me and theirs nothing he can do to fix it! Not to mention all the times I’ve had to say we can’t do something due to not being able to get to and from. I know how much me getting a car would mean to him and I don’t ever ask for help but if it’s what I have to do to see that long awaited look of total joy on my sons face when I tell him mom got a car! Then I will!! Thank you so much for reading and your time, that alone means a lot!
Amanda and Alyis <3