I'm a 43-year-old asthmatic, type-1 diabetic, and sufferer of Bicuspid Valve Disorder.

I desperately need an aortic valve replacement only part of the cost of which my state insurance will cover. I'm also completely toothless and need help paying for a set of dentures, if not implants. I have applied for SSDI benefits and will likely be approved, my lawyer tells me, but it could take months or even years. Meanwhile, I'm broke.

I receive $417/month in state-funded Age, Blind, & Disabled benefits and a little over $200/month in SNAP benefits (Food Stamps). Every penny of this goes toward my rent (a friend graciously allows me to live in his attic for $350/month), food, toiletries, and the occasional new article of clothing from Ross or Goodwill. If Medicaid didn't completely cover my insulin (I am a VERY brittle type-1 diabetic!), I would not only be broke but flat-out dead.

If I could raise $25k, I could have dentures or implants within a month, undergo the aortic valve replacement within three months, feed myself properly for the next six months, pay off most of the debt I've accumulated over the past half-decade or so, and perhaps even afford a reasonably decent vehicle (I haven't driven in nearly three years, sold my last car out of sheer necessity). But even $10k would go a LONG way toward helping me to meet these goals!

I realize my cause isn't very "sexy" and that there are plenty of needier people on here begging for money. But I can assure you that I would be forever grateful for every cent that anyone, family or friend or stranger, might see fit to spare, and that, if I could achieve even 20% of my goal of 25k, my quality of life would improve *dramatically* almost literally overnight.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and in advance for any donations you might be kind enough to send my way.