My name is Shelley Stork. I am 59 years old and in March 2024, my life took an unexpected and devastating turn when I developed sepsis. This illness has had a profound and lasting impact, forcing me to leave my job of ten years, relocate from my downtown apartment to live with my aging parents, and begin a long and challenging recovery journey.

The effects of sepsis have significantly impacted my mobility and independence. While I await a decision from the Social Security Administration regarding disability benefits, I'm facing substantial out-of-pocket medical expenses. The costs have been overwhelming, prompting me to create a GoFundMe campaign to seek support.

To date, the generosity of others has allowed me to cover essential expenses, including transportation to medical appointments, travel to and from USC Keck Hospital for my first of three surgeries (completed last week), my July health insurance premium, incontinence supplies, and medication costs. However, my recovery journey is far from over. Post-operative care requires frequent trips to USC Keck Hospital, approximately every two to three weeks for the next few months. This necessitates costly medical transport (a one-way trip from San Luis Obispo to USC is approximately $950). This ongoing need for transportation will continue until my second surgery, a left total knee replacement, scheduled for October 7, 2025.

I am deeply grateful for the kindness and support I've received from family, friends, and my community. However, the financial burden remains immense, and the fear of financial insecurity and ruin is real. 

For more detailed information about my situation, including updates on my recovery since my first surgery and ways you can help, please visit my GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/419e4f16