Help Me Get Back On My Feet

Hello!

My name is Matthew. A bit over a year ago, I was diagnosed with Stage 3c Melanoma (skin cancer). While I've always tried to maintain a positive attitude, treatment has gotten in the way of my personal life and financial goals.

After about a year of infusions, scans, and treatments, things are looking up! A metastasis to my brain that was caught in December is now 60% smaller than it was seven months ago, and I honestly feel like I'm healthier than I've been in my entire life.

On the negative side, I am sitting with nearly 100k worth of outstanding medical bills that are being pushed out to collection agencies, and while this isn't at the top of my to-do list at the moment, my main issue is that my job does not offer short-term disability or paid medical leave of any kind. In the past fifteen months of work, I have had to take a combined total of four months off of work and lost wages, not qualifying for unemployment.

As you can understand, this has put me far behind with basic bills, rent, and necessities. I have always held off on asking for help... But at this point, what's the worst that can happen?

Currently, I have four credit cards maxed out from using them to pay our utilities and rent. At the beginning of June, I decided to settle two of them off to try and begin building credit again. A week after this endeavor, I was sent to the hospital for another two-week stay, which has now become nearly four weeks. I can return to work in the next few days thankfully, but the damage is done, and I am afraid that I won't be able to make my insurance payments, rent, electric, or anything else until I get some income in.

There are so many great charities out there, and I have gone this long without asking for any assistance because I know the day-to-day struggle we all go through. I know how hard life can be, the curve-balls we get thrown our way, and the way things can seem so bleak at times. That being said, I do not want anyone to feel obligated to help in any way. This is a last-ditch effort and I am only doing it to cover all of my bases.

Any funds raised here will go to current-month bills, and any excess will be put towards my overdue balances. I can provide picture evidence of payment in the interest of being completely upfront and honest with my goals here.

I appreciate your time going through this, and I hope you have a great day!

Edit:

Hey everyone... I have no words to describe what I feel right now. I've been struggling since our brother took his own life on Christmas with having a purpose, and all I can say is that I'm touched..

The generosity you've all shown is paramount to none, and I am going to take the time to personally thank those of you who I know have helped... and to those anonymous people... You don't know what you've done for me. I can't say anything except thank you, but if you ever reveal yourself to me, know that you have a friend for life, and I will help you with anything when I'm able.

I've increased the amount so that people can continue to donate if they CHOOSE. Please do NOT feel like the new goal is a necessity! You've all done so much more than I can say at the moment, and I just want to take a moment to say thanks. I love you all, and I will post a better update when I'm less emotional.

- Matthew