No bones about it: Help journalist with medical expenses

UPDATE: It's been a while since I last updated y'all on my arm. It's doing well, for the most part, but recovery has been slow and involved more expenses than anticipated (like paying for Ubers and Lyfts, which add up quickly, for PT and doc appointments, since I've been unable to drive).

However, I'll be FINALLY getting the plate immobilizing my left wrist out on March 13. The small wrist bone where the pins were for the first month or so is still healing, but the doc is confident it'll be fine as long as I take it easy for a bit. Of course, my deductible started over with the new year, so I have to get that covered, which is why I raised the goal. Hopefully by the end of the month I'll be able to drive again (thank GOD!), but I'll have to call the dealership first to come check out the car because it's dead as a doornail at present (the key fobs are dead, so I can't get in it, and when I try to call up my Ford app, it won't connect, so I suspect the battery died in the interim). Hopefully that won't cost an arm and a leg; all of mine have problems.

If you can help, either by donating or by spreading the word, I would appreciate it so much!

***

I'm an editor and columnist, and if you know anything about local news, you know local journalists aren't raking in the dough. One of the ways I've been making ends meet, especially when I've had to replace tech, has been house/cat-sitting. The last job I worked, though, ended with a severely broken arm, putting that revenue stream, as well as my day job, in a little jeopardy.

On Dec. 1, I was going to my car with my first batch of luggage when the wheel on my suitcase rolled a little wild, making me lose my balance on the wide concrete steps in front of the apartment building (no, there's no ramp). I fell down hard on my left arm, dislocating and breaking my wrist, ulna and elbow. Luckily a neighbor of my friend saw me fall and called 911 and I was taken to the hospital, where the break was confirmed (in the nurse's words, I "busted it but good"). Surgery was scheduled for two days later, but then postponed because they couldn't get clearance from my PCP in time because she had gone on maternity leave, and since I'd had a stroke in 2015, I had to be cleared for anesthesia.

I finally got my surgery on Dec. 5, then was accidentally admitted due to a staff miscommunication (which was fine at the time because that was the worst night of pain, and they gave me IV antibiotics), which triggered FMLA. I'm still waiting on the surgeon's OK to return to my day job, but I'll be working slowly for a while since I'm unable to use my left hand. I should be able to do more once the cast and the plate keeping my wrist immobile is removed, theoretically in about a week. I've also had to cancel one of my sitting jobs (at the same place where I broke my arm), but for now plan to still work the other, later one as it will be after the cast is removed and I can mostly avoid steps there.

I've already had to pay $700 I don't really have to the hospital and doctor, as well as pay for mobility aids and other things to help in my recovery, and more is coming; the preliminary estimate was around $6,000, even with my insurance. I'm hoping some good people will chip in to help.

I do own my own home, but it's a former rental property that isn't in great shape, and isn't worth much. Still, it's mine and I don't really want to move because it's too much to deal with right now. I'm staying with friends at the moment since I can't drive or do much for myself, but I don't want to overstay my welcome. I also suffer from anxiety and depression, so this situation is taking a lot out of me.

If you can, please donate so I can pay my medical bills. Thank you.