Wow, this update is LATE. Sorry folks, offline life got a bit.... busy the last few weeks. I spent a lot of ttha time trying desperately to find something that I organized and packed before I started my add meds which was a challenge. The good news is, it finally turned up (in defiance of all logic) and in the process I managed to reorganize and repack a LOT of things that I needed to reorganize and repack anyway.
Aside from that, I (SarahCate) tabled at a small health expo in a retirement community, sharing PrettySick supply offline for a day, and it went even better than expected. It went so well in fact, that my goal for the new year is to find more (and larger) health fairs that we can participate in. Even though it was outside our typical demographic, we had lots of traffic and were able to share the work we're doing here with people that likely wouldn't happen upon us on their own online. Add to that our plan to visit and network at the Abilities expo in Dallas in December, and we're getting pretty excited about the possibility of connecting even more folks in the community to the resources we have on the site.
Here I am, all set up and ready to show:
We have a few other things happening in the background that we hope to be able to share soon (seriously, some exciting stuff is headed our way :fingers crossed:), but for now this update is a short one, and we hope that your last few weeks has been less stressful than ours (but at least half as productive!).
Welcome to fall for those in the same hemisphere, amy the changing weather be kind to all of our creaking joints and spasming muscles.
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THIS MONTH'S FEATURED SHOPS
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CAMPAIGN(S) OF THE MONTH:
Normally, each month, we feature 1-3 fundraising campaigns. We like to share these links so that visitors who have the means know where need may be and can help folks in our community who are trying to get access to care or equipment they otherwise can't afford. Because there are so many folks needing help right now, we're going to start sharing a few campaigns a month- in hopes that we can help spread the love as widely as possible. If you are able, please consider donating to one of these fundraising campaign to help those who need it.
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Medical Debt Relief for Chelsea
Starting in early 2018, I became unable to work as an Early Childhood Educator. Since then, my health has been a bit of a rollercoaster, including a diagnosis of Severe Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency and a Double Coronary Artery Bypass Graft open heart surgery. These are not the only ailments I am combating however; I also have: difficult to manage Type One Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, and Rheumatoid Arthritis, among other more minor problems.
All of this has been challenging, but with the support of my family and friends I have been able to cope emotionally. Finances are a bit of a mess, on the other hand. With $9000 of deductibles in 2 years, travel to get diagnosed, and basic living expenses, I have accumulated a large amount of debt. While I have housing and insurance thanks to my family's generosity, my credit card is close to maxed out at over $10,000.
I will be looking for part time work very soon, but will probably only make minimum wages as an entry level admin. With the amount of debt I have accrued, I am not sure I will ever be able to climb out of this hole alone. If you have means to help and feel compelled to do so, I would be eternally grateful. If you have limited resources and know of someone who needs it more, please give to them. Sharing is also very helpful.
*Please note, this link goes directly to the preferred paypal page to donate.*
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My World Turned Upside Down
I was diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers danlos syndrome, dysautonomia, and general chronic pain. Lost my job, found out I need hearing aids, got a wheelchair of my own but no way to take it anywhere. Looking for work desperately but I don't have enough job background between mental and physical disabilities. Basically I'm out of a job and have been for months without luck. Hubby works his ass off and when he's not working he's doing postmates to help get everything he can, meaning barely any time with our kiddo. I need hearing aids and they average on the cheap end at $3,000 per ear, I need help getting an accessible vehicle so I can get to/from work with my wheelchair so I'm safe. I need help with getting something to track my heart rate 24/7. Any little bit will be very appreciated.
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Service Dog Fund
Hi! I’m Mae, I’m 22 years old, I’m a hairstylist, and I’m physically disabled. I’ve found an AMAZING opportunity to get a service dog prospect that I just can’t pass up. My intention has been to pay for my dog entirely by busting my ass and getting as many clients as possible into every day, but friends from out of town wanted a way to help, so I set this up.
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Need Help with Top Surgery
Im Andrew. I’m 33 years old and I’m transgender.
it took me 32 years to finally release those words from my mouth and make the reality of everything I’ve felt since I was a very young child. At the age of 4 I knew something was different about me. I honestly had thought that I was put into the wrong body. Which now I am able to understand as an adult. I can remember very specific times where I had wished that my body would change and I would be the boy I wanted to be and as I approached puberty I knew I hated everything about myself. I battled with suicidal thoughts for many years. Being bullied, not having many friends, being the girl that looked like a boy. So many things. I tried coming out when I was 25 once hormone replacement therapy first started to be introduced. I knew I wanted to do it but was beyond petrified of rejection not just from family but friends as well. So I decided not to say anything or do anything about it at that point.
I had tried to talk about it in relationships and was told I’d be left. I was convinced that I would just have to live my life in the internal misery I was in. It wasn’t until just over a year ago that I had someone by my side that saw me for who I truly was before I even let the words leave my mouth. Now she’s my wife. She supported me in getting health insurance, finding the drs I needed to get the ball rolling, finally letting myself be free. I was overwhelmed with support from friends and family. Now I’m over a year into my transition and anyone who knows me can say that this is the happiest and most comfortable I have ever been in my life.
The main battle I struggle with now is dysphoria mainly when it comes to my chest. Unfortunately health insurance doesn’t look at dysphoria and top surgery as a need but more as a want. I have to fight myself when I get into the shower. It’s mentally taxing and emotionally taxing. I have had a consult with a highly recommended surgeon but like I said my insurance doesn’t cover it because of the medical code that is used. Not having the surgery can lead to complications down the road as well. I feel horrible even asking for help but I’m running out of options. I plan I’m saving myself as well as this is just the cost of the surgery and not the time missed from work or hotel stay in south Florida for a week for a post op follow up. Thank you in advance to anyone who helps and it will change my life forever.
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If you can't contribute, please consider sharing any of our featured campaigns on your social media! Someone you know may be looking for a way to give back and could make a huge difference in someone's life! You can also look at previous blog entries to see if other featured campaigns are still in need of help!