My name is Crisstian. I am reaching out for my spouse, Trish, and myself during a very challenging time. In May we went to the ER for Trish's back pain and they ended up keeping her for a week then discharging with a PICC line and home infusions of antibiotics three times a day. All of this is eligible for FMLA but Trish does not qualify for short-term disability pay until 18 months of employment. Unfortunately we just hit the year mark so too early to qualify. That means we received no wages for the entire stay as well as several days for doctor appointments.

Then Trish's employer mandated in-office work twice a week despite her doctor's advice. At this time, she was told that unpaid leave could be used for those 2 days a week so that is what we did, cutting back her paycheck.

Then in mid-June we had to go back to the ER and Trish was admitted for 10 days due to sepsis, pneumonia, and more antibiotic treatment for the disc infection in the back (from the May trip diagnosed as diskitis). This time we also found out that she has afib and has severe mitral regurgitation (2 leaky heart valves). Trish was released with doctor recommendation to only work remote due to the added heart condition. 

Today we had a visit with the cardiologist who has also advised that Trish needs to work remote. Unfortunately, her work disagrees and has now stated that unpaid time off (FMLA) be used until fully released by the doctor. 

We have only my social security for income at least the next 6 weeks but likely longer with the need for neck surgery soon as well as likely heart surgery. Then her back will need to be addressed.

We are now struggling to pay basic expenses such as housing, food, water, electricity (needed to keep house cool for both Trish's heart condition and her cpap machine), and transportation to doctor appointments (gas, car payment, and basic wear & tear on car).

Plus, our adorable Rayne & Stormi need food and litter. 

We know each day that passes puts us further behind and hope that with your support we can get on the other side & able to help pay it forward.