RAISING DONATIONS FOR CERVICAL AND LUMBAR SPINAL FUSION…

My name is Herschell Michel, and I never imagined I would one day have to ask for help just to afford the medications and medical care that keep me alive. I worked hard most of my life and always believed in taking care of myself and my family. Today, because of serious medical problems and overwhelming prescription and medical expenses, I am struggling financially and physically just trying to survive. Over the past few years, my health has steadily declined. I suffered a STEMI heart attack and now live with coronary artery disease, unstable angina, a history of coronary stents, SVT, sinus tachycardia, blood pressure problems, chronic pancreatitis, seizure disorder, peripheral neuropathy, severe degenerative disc disease in my back and neck, chronic nerve pain, migraines, kidney injury, sciatica, and ongoing severe pain every day. Because of these illnesses, I depend on a long list of medications just to function day to day. My prescriptions include: • CREON for chronic pancreatitis so I can digest food properly • Plavix and aspirin as blood thinners for my heart condition • Metoprolol and nitroglycerin for my heart and chest pain • Keppra for seizures • Lyrica and Cymbalta for nerve pain and neuropathy • Percocet, Lidocaine patches, and Zanaflex for chronic pain and muscle spasms • Protonix for stomach issues • Lipitor for cholesterol and heart disease • Midodrine for dangerously low blood pressure • Fioricet for migraines and headaches • Meclizine for dizziness and balance problems The medication that hurts us the most financially is CREON. Without it, my body cannot properly digest food because of chronic pancreatitis. The cost for this medication alone is around  $2000 , and without it I become sick, weak, and unable to maintain proper nutrition. I also need continued medical care, specialist visits, testing, transportation to appointments, and assistance with ongoing medical expenses that continue to pile up faster than I can afford them. Between heart specialists, neurologists, pain management, hospital stays, and constant treatments, the financial burden has become overwhelming. Even with disability income, there is simply not enough money left after bills to afford medications, medical treatment, transportation, and everyday living expenses. I receive around $1,200 a month, and the cost of trying to stay alive has become impossible to manage alone. I hate asking for help because I have always tried to stand on my own feet. But right now, I truly need assistance with medical care, prescriptions, and basic living expenses while I continue fighting these serious health conditions. Any donation, no matter the amount, would help me pay for medications, doctor visits, treatment, transportation, and other medical needs that I cannot keep up with financially. If you are unable to donate, I completely understand and simply ask that you share my story and keep me in your prayers. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read this and for any support, kindness, or prayers you can give.