My name is Beatrice Simmons, and for 48 years, I’ve prided myself on being the backbone of my family. In a hardworking city like Lubbock, you learn early on that if you don't work, you don't eat. I’ve spent the last decade working on my feet, providing for my kids and making sure we never had to ask for a handout.

Three weeks ago, my life changed in a split second. A freak fall at home resulted in two herniated discs and a fractured vertebra. The pain was immediate and paralyzing. I went from being a woman who worked 50 hours a week to someone who needs help just to walk to the kitchen.

The Harsh Reality:
My job in the warehouse requires me to lift and stand all day. My doctors have strictly forbidden me from returning to work for at least six months while I undergo intensive physical therapy. Because I’m an hourly worker, I have no disability coverage. We are staring down $6,500 in immediate needs:

Medical Deductibles & Therapy: To cover the specialized spinal care.

Rent & Utilities: To keep my children in their home while I recover.

Basic Necessities: Groceries and bills that don't stop just because I did.

I’ve never been on this side of a GoFundMe before. It’s humbling and, honestly, a bit terrifying. I’m asking for a hand up so I can focus on healing and getting back to work, rather than worrying if my kids will have a roof over their heads next month. Any donation, no matter how small, is a blessing. Thank you for standing with me.