Hanging by a Thread

During my fourth round of chemotherapy, (I AM a survivor!) my cardiologist decided that a deteriorating heart valve was in need of replacement. A common procedure, and one I was assured would brighten my outlook and my health future tremendously, it came at a time when I have been out of steady work for nearly four years while dealing with cancer.

As a result, I am already living on the edge. Though I am hopeful that Medicare and Medicaid will continue to pay the lion's share of my medical costs, there will be unknown co-pays not already in my budget and  continuing household expenses. Most important, my property taxes, are already in arrears. The thought of losing my home is almost more frightening than cancer or   heart disease, and the fact that I will face even more recovery time from this "interruption" as well as my continued rounds of cancer therapy, is just more than I can resolve on my own.

So often over the years I have been asked what one can do to help. My response is usually "I can't think of anything," so I am likely to be blessed with an overflowing fridge of delicious food! And, though I really do appreciate the prepared dishes—and hope you'll keep sending them from time to tine—the long nights of worry about making ends meet are enough to make even the best food upset your stomach.

So, I'm reaching out to you, my friends and complete strangers for help. This is something I am doing quite reluctantly. I find no pride in admitting to you that I am in dire straits. But, I ask in all humility and assure you that any assistance you can provide to help me, will be used exactly as I have described. I truly believe in "paying forward," and I hope that through your generosity,  I can continue to help others as you are helping me. Thank you!