Justin's Fight for Health and Stability

Hi, all. I never imagined I'd find myself in a position where something like this is needed, but unfortunately, here I am.

At the time of this writing, I am in the hospital with a persistent (day 26), high (up to 105.5°) fever. For over three weeks before finally being admitted, I struggled to try to control the fever, visiting two ERs and multiple doctors with no diagnosis and, therefore, no real treatment. I spent my birthday and Father's Day here in the hospital, and it's unclear when I might be able to go home. I'm told that once I am discharged, I will need ongoing treatment for at least several weeks afterward, and it's unclear when I might be functional enough to return to work. Depending on the ultimate diagnosis, I may be looking at truly long-term, intensive (and expensive) treatment.

Since being referred to an infectious disease specialist and subsequently entering the hospital, we've made some progress, identifying three different infections (two viruses and one big-time bacteria). But we're still looking for an underlying cause to explain how these illnesses all got me at once. I'm scheduled for a bone marrow biopsy tomorrow.

Being sick for this long has put me in a profound bind, work- and income-wise. Per my employer's policies, I am currently on short-term disability leave, retroactive to the second week of this sickness. As a divorced dad renting in order to stay near his kids, my budget is pretty tight even with my full income; the 40% pay cut that comes with short-term disability is going to leave me unable to pay for my basic expenses, without even considering my mounting medical bills.

I have never in my life asked for this kind of help, but I need to now. In order to keep my house and generally stay afloat, I could use any help you may be able to offer. I am embarrassed to be here, but your assistance would be genuinely appreciated if possible.

To be clear, if you can spare even a little, it will go toward my living expenses/household bills in the coming months, along with a start on my medical bills.

Thank you again.