Stroke survivor and longtime caregiver navigating a difficult season after medical hardship, loss of income, and the recent passing of my father. I’m seeking short-term support to stay stable, maintain housing, and continue moving forward during this transition.

My Story — A Season I Never Expected

This is very difficult for me to share.

I have always been someone who gives rather than asks. Helping others — in my community and in my everyday life — has always been where I find purpose. I never imagined I would be in a position where I would need to ask for help myself.

Over the past few years, my life has changed in ways I could not have prepared for.

I suffered a stroke that affected my brainstem, leaving me with lasting challenges including balance issues and a neurological eye condition called internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO). This affects how my eyes work together, making simple tasks like looking around, shopping, or focusing on items extremely difficult. If I push too far, it triggers severe migraines and nausea. These limitations are not always visible to others, but they impact my ability to function day to day and have made it impossible for me to return to work.

I have been waiting on a disability decision for over three years. During that time, I did what I was always taught to do — I relied on my savings to stay afloat. I used everything I had set aside, including cashing in my 401(k), just to cover basic living expenses and keep things stable as long as I could.

At the same time, I have been caring for my father, a Veteran, since my mother passed many years ago. He adopted me 54 years ago and gave me a life filled with love and opportunity. Being there for him has never felt like a burden — it has always felt like something I was honored to do.

In the last couple of years, both his needs and my own limitations became more difficult to manage. My family stepped in wherever they could, helping with the physical care I was no longer able to safely handle. We did everything we could together to keep him comfortable and supported.

We also worked to apply for VA benefits that could have helped with his care and our stability. Unfortunately, due to delays outside of our control, including transportation issues that caused missed appointments, the process was pushed back. By the time everything was rescheduled, it was too late. He passed before those benefits could be approved.

With his passing, everything changed at once.

The income that helped support our household is gone. I am now facing ongoing expenses including housing, utilities, medical costs, and a funeral bill that still needs to be paid. My vehicle is no longer running, adding another layer of difficulty to an already fragile situation.

I am also facing the reality of losing my home. Due to a reverse mortgage my father had taken out, the house I believed would remain in our family will not. I am now waiting to be told when I will need to leave, without yet having a place to go.

This is not one single hardship — it is many converging at the same time, while I am still recovering from a stroke and unable to work.

I am not someone who asks for help easily. In fact, it has taken everything in me to even write this. I have always believed in being prepared, in working hard, and in showing up for others. This is simply a moment where life has been heavier than I can carry alone.

Any support would go toward maintaining basic stability — housing, essential bills, medical needs, and helping me navigate this transition safely. More than anything, it would give me the chance to steady myself and continue moving forward.

I still believe in helping others. That has not changed. And if I am given the chance to get through this season, I will continue to give back in every way I can.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Even your kindness, encouragement, or sharing means more than I can express.

With gratitude,

Karen