On December 27.,2024 I suffered a stroke and my life was changed in an instant. I had been an independent 75 year old woman who had retired but was still working since social security doesn’t pay for much. Nd I enjoyed being productive.  I thought I had done all the right things in life: I saved, I  didn’t spend lavishly, I  worked hard for 33 years. And even in retirement I continued to do consulting work and found my passion in photography, becoming a wedding and portrait photographer. Now I am relying on others to assist me with the simplest of tasks.  And asking for financial assistance while I fight to recover.  My fight began with my Long Term Care insurance company,who initially denied my benefits. For the first 5 months of my stay at my facility I paid the room and board and eventually had to hire an attorney to fight for the coverage I had paid for over the  20 years. That was a huge drain on my savings. We are still in the battle every month to make sure they pay what is owed. And they still didn't reimburse me in full because they disagreed with the date when benefits should start so those funds will never be reimbursed .All the while medical bills are mounting because while Medicare helps. it doesn’t cover everything and what it doesn’t cover is expensive and I’m responsible for payment. I sold everything that had any value to cover my expenses, including my car, and now that I can’t work my savings are  all but depleted and I need of financial assistance as soon as possible so that I can recover and get back to working again.

With my savings having been used to pay for  some of my medical  and facility expenses, social security is my only source of income. and I use part of that for some of my medical,  and, along with the help of a good friend, to  pay for the care of my blind and diabetic Maltese dog , Nika, who inspires me to keep working hard because despite her disability she has adapted  and is thriving.  But the anxiety of my financial situation is causing stress and impacting my recovery.   I am overwhelmed by the financial burden of aging and being disabled. Aging I was handling well but being disabled is a challenge every single day.  Any donations received would go to pay for my wheelchair transport to therapy to help me regain mobility, which is very costly and my only transportation  option and not covered by insurance,; for my medication, of which there is a lot and also not paid for by insurance, and for the portion of medical bills  also not covered  by insurance, which are piling up..I am now in debt  and struggling foing sll I can to stat afloat.

I have always paid my own way, took care of myself and others, so asking for financial assistance is something I never thought I’d have to do but here I am, asking for help . I’ve always tried to be one who gives to causes and to others and now I’m hoping and praying that someone will do that for me. The assistance would give me some breathing room, alleviate some of the anxiety about my future and help me focus on getting better so I can start earning my way again. I may be an old broad but I am an old broad that still has a lot to offer. In fact once I recover one thing I am committed to doing is being an advocate for stroke survivors and their families. I have learned a lot that i can share and  help someone navigate this life changing event.   A stroke not only impacts you physically but it has a signififcsnt impact on your mental state as well.  You go through a grieving process because you have lost the person you once were and to get through to the best version of your new normal you  and your supporters have to understanding that.  I’m still going through my grieving process and getting this financial burden off me will be a tremendous relief.  I am playing catch up to try to get back on even ground.  

It would mean the world to me and be a true blessing  and a lifetime If you could help.  No amount is too small. Every bit helps..

thank you 

Sheryl