Help Tomi pay for Rent & Medical Expenses

Hello!

My name is Tomi (they/them), I’m a 27 year-old multidisciplinary artist based in Calgary, AB and I’m reaching out for help during a difficult time. I am hoping to raise enough money to help me pay for one month's rent and treatment for my recovery from my injuries. I rely heavily on my mobility as I work in the hospitality industry and do casual work with art on top of my practice. I am not covered by benefits from work nor do I have any kind of insurance. With my current injuries, I am unable to walk for long periods of time, which means I cannot work my full shifts or generate the income I rely on to cover my rent and medical treatments.

In late August, I started treating an old back injury that would result in flare ups from stress and cause muscle spasms, difficulty breathing, and hip joint aches which forced me to slow down in my everyday life including reducing my hours at work. I turned to osteopath alongside massage therapy to help me with my mobility and pain management. I’ve since made financial adjustments in my life to accommodate the cost of treatments. Although the financial setback was initially hard to adjust to at first, it was manageable enough to be able to pay for my rent, monthly bills, and still pay for treatments every 2-3 weeks.

On November 22nd, on my way to work, I slipped and fell down a set of stairs in my apartment building putting my entire body weight on my ankle. I rushed to the hospital and was told I had a sprained ankle and that I would be back to work after a few days. After seeing my osteopath and my physiologist, I was told that what I initially thought was a mild sprain is now a severe ankle sprain with a grade 3-4 ligament tear. What turned into a few days of recovery is now 4-6 weeks more with limited mobility and necessary ankle support, aiming for a full recovery by early February.

I live on the top floor of a 4 story walk up apartment building and this injury has isolated me, forced me to stay off my feet for 3-4 days out of my week, unable to work for long periods of time or perform simple daily tasks at home. I rely on my crutches to get around my home, and I use my cane and wear my ankle brace for support to assist me when I work, when I’m in public and to go to and from my appointments.

From the date I’m writing this campaign, it has been 2 weeks since my accident, which means 2 weeks without working my full hours at work and having to push myself to go to generate some income throughout the week. I’m asking for financial assistance to cover one month’s rent and my medical treatments. I will be able to provide my own groceries, travel to/from care facilities and my other monthly bills on my own.

Rent - $1425

Medical Treatments & Rehabilitation - $600 ~

GoFundMe 3% Fee

$2100

With your support, I can ensure that my basic needs are met during my recovery. Your contribution will help me focus on healing instead of worrying about how to pay bills or where I’ll be living. I understand that times are hard for many, and if you can’t contribute, simply sharing my campaign or sending positive thoughts would mean the world to me. I truly appreciate any support – whether it’s financial or emotional – while I recover and get back on my feet.

Thank you,

Tomi <3