Hi everyone,

I’m a 59-year-old single woman who supports myself through a full-time remote job, along with taking care of my service dog and trying my best to keep moving forward through life’s curveballs.

Ten years ago, I woke up paralyzed from Transverse Myelitis. Since then, life has looked a little different, but I’ve worked hard to remain independent and continue supporting myself.

After waiting five years for insurance approval — because apparently wheelchairs age like fine wine according to insurance companies — I finally received a new wheelchair.

Unfortunately, during the “test drive,” I discovered one very important detail: the wheelbase was shorter than my old chair.

And by “discovered,” I mean I confidently rolled out the door and immediately went straight down onto my knees.

At first, I honestly thought I had just dislocated my knee. I felt no pain at all, which is probably the only reason I didn’t panic. In fact, I almost didn’t even go to the ER. Three hours later, I finally decided maybe flying out of a wheelchair onto concrete deserved at least a quick medical opinion.

That “quick medical opinion” turned into being rushed by ambulance to a larger hospital for emergency surgery after doctors discovered I had broken the femur in my left leg.

Ironically, after all that urgency, the surgeon decided it could wait until the next morning.

Still no pain.

This all happened between April 30 and May 2, and the medical bills have already started arriving. Shockingly, insurance paid faster than I’ve ever seen in my life — apparently even they were impressed by the stupidity of this accident.

I make enough to get by, but not enough to absorb large, unexpected medical bills on top of everyday living expenses. I also make “too much” to qualify for disability assistance while somehow still living paycheck to paycheck like many people do.

If you’re able to help in any way, I would appreciate it more than I can say. And if you can’t, sharing this or simply keeping me in your thoughts means just as much.

Thank you for helping me continue pushing forward.