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Save a Disabled Black Transfemme Drowning in Debt
Donation protected
My name is AJ Smith (she/he), and I'm a black transfemme in Philadelphia who has been living with a crippling condition called Functional Neurological Disorder for the past 8 years. Functional Neurological Disorder (or FND) is a relatively newly discovered physical disability that is still being researched and, therefore, currently has no treatment. As such, I have been unable to hold a consistent, well-paying job my whole life. I am currently undergoing an experimental treatment process, to varying degrees of success, but the cost of my treatment is beginning to add up.
I have applied twice now to receive Social Security Disability aid from the government, and have been denied twice because I am "too young to be disabled." This has forced me to try and find a consistent job, and, although I currently have one secured, it does not pay enough for me to pay my own rent and bills while also affording food. I have lost entire paychecks to my credit card bills alone, but I cannot find another job that will not exacerbate symptoms of my condition and is willing to accommodate my disability.
I am asking for $8,000 in community aid to help me relieve my credit card debts and cover my rent while I build my savings to be able to stay afloat in the long run. I am currently applying for SNAP and any other government financial aid I can think of, and am waiting on a second job to begin my training process to supplement my income. However, with my disability, I am unsure how long I will be able to sustain two jobs, and am unsure if I will be physically capable of doing the necessary workload my second job demands.
Anything you can spare could save my life. I am rationing the last of my money, and will not be able to pay my rent this month without support from my community. I am very terrified I will lose my housing, which will displace both me and my roommate, and do not know what I will do if I lose this apartment.
Organizer
Jaedto Israel
Organizer
Philadelphia, PA