Friends, I'm in a challenging situation and need some big help. Asking is extremely uncomfortable, but if I've learned anything in the last year, it is how to live with discomfort! After a slip-and-fall in the woods in 2024, I had several misdiagnoses until a superimposed disc bulge was discovered causing severe nerve damage and a host of balance and walking issues. A year ago, I had a thriving dog-walking and pet-sitting business in NYC that took 15 years of hard work to cultivate. I loved being an active person outdoors every day!!! Now, navigating my own apartment takes more patience, planning and grip strength than scaling a mountain. I'm pretty sure learning how to walk was a lot easier the first time around. After spinal fusion surgery in Nov 2024, there was some progress briefly afterward, but the setbacks are complicated, frequent, and still unfolding like my walker careening down a staircase. I'm tackling obstacles one by one. It's been difficult to articulate how you could help since I haven't thoroughly known myself. Nothing about this recovery is going as predicted. While the future of walking normally again is uncertain, there are many reasons to remain optimistic. I'll keep the updates coming. I need help now paying for a chunk of back rent, medical equipment and transportation that's not covered by insurance, and a few more months of merciless Brooklyn living expenses so I can concentrate on building as much strength as possible in this crucial time after surgery as well as implement a meaningful career pivot. I'm already so grateful for the love, support, and generosity people offer me every day. That said, I probably won't pay any of you back because I want all of you to get into heaven for this. I could be eligible for some type of government assistance in the future possibly, but even 9 months after surgery, my doctors nor myself are willing to call this disability permanent yet. It's purgatorial. Thanks for reading, yall! Melissa
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