I am in my early twenties and desperately trying to start my life.  I live paycheck to paycheck like many people, but am trying to go to nursing school.  It is almost impossible, as I don't have any leftover money once my rent and electricity is paid.  I also do not have a car, so I have to rely on other people to take me to and from work.  I don't have anybody who can take me to and from school.  For every $100 I receive, I will pledge $10.  In addition, once I have completed school, I will pledge back DOUBLE every penny I received.  Please help me, and I will help others.

My name is Erin and I am in a difficult place right now.  I was diagnosed with Schizophrenia five years ago, and I slowly let my life be destroyed by it. I was twenty five when the struggle in my head finally became too much to bear.  I was suicidal and scared, so I did what I thought best and checked myself into Riverside ETS (a mental hospital). 

A coworker I thought I could trust knew of my struggle and visited me in the hospital (I was there three days).  All three days I called in sick to work, for fear of losing my job (I was an outside sales rep).  The day I returned to work, my boss pulled me aside and fired me for supposedly not returning a clients page (I had received a raise not a month prior, as part of my annual review).  I was so ashamed and humiliated because we both knew I was being fired because of my new "illness". 

With no health insurance I had to rely on the county for mental health care.  I can't tell you the indignities and humiliations I experienced (I was released from the hospital with a prescription, only to be denied the medication from another county doctor who didn't "believe" in that particular medication; a nurse in ETS sent me to the violent ward because she feared that the woman in my room was a sexual threat to me!!??). 

My parents were appalled at the care at the county so they were kind enough to pay for a private psychiatrist. (The county was requiring me to attend therapy every friday from 8-11am and only then could I receive my medication for the week; a five hour process.  I had a job, or at least was trying to keep my new job, and couldn't really explain away the five hours every week!)  I found a doctor in the yellow pages, and he ended up prescribing me 1200mg of Seroquel (an antipsychotic).  The doctor was sympathetic to the fact that I was low on money, so he gave me sample packs. 

That evening I took the dose at about 6pm, and the next thing I knew it was morning and I was late for work.  I jumped in the shower, and dressed quickly.  I felt very strange, but I didn't realize how much trouble I was already in.  I got in my truck and didn't make it a mile from my house before rear ending a car at a stop light.  I had noticed that it was still dark outside, but somehow I explained that away to myself.  I was arrested for a DUI at 8pm. 

I lost my new job (although my boss did represent me in court), and was sentenced to 15 days in jail.  No one was hurt, and for that I am grateful.  I later found out that I had been ODing on Seroquel (the max dose is 800mg, and that is for people with a tolerance to it, or obesity).  My lawyer wanted to sue the doctor, but I was so overwhelmed with everything happening that I didn't want to pursue that particular avenue. 

That pretty much was the grease that allowed the wheels of insanity to start spinning in my life.  I would like to tell you that things have changed for the better, however my illness has progressed to the point that I can no longer leave my home.  I am now on disability which both upsets and shames me.  I just recently had the courage to initiate getting my drivers license back.  I also know that I am now at a point to get a job again.  I have been slowly making myself reenter society.  Scary, but fun.  I want to live again, and be as close to normal as I was before!  The reason I am writing this page is not so that I can hear a small violin play in my ear, but because I want to rebuild my life.  I have never been good at asking for help, but if there's one thing I want to do it is to become a nurse.  I want to finish school and work at the Riverside ETS, because people with mental illnesses deserve respect too.  I am smart, I am dedicated, and I will do it.  If you have faith in me, that is all I need!

I'm a 25 year old white female from Louisville, Kentucky. Since last summer I've had financial difficulty. I lost my job due to downsizing and was unemployed from July '04 until January '05. During that time my credit card balances soared and I had to borrow money to get by. After I found another job in February I thought things  would start to get better, but I couldn't afford much more than the minimum balance due on my loans. I filed for bankruptcy in March. I lost my '03 Honda in the bankruptcy and had to fix up my '93 Honda to get back and forth to work. The engine blew and I had no choice but to borrow money from friends and family to get the car repaired. After the engine was put in, several other things went bad and had to be replaced as well. Now I owe $5,000 to friends and family who really need the money back. I've tried applying for loans, but having a recent bankruptcy I keep getting denied. I'm actively seeking a 2nd job, but would really like to get a loan to pay back those I owe since they really need the money back soon. Email me if you would like more info about my situation rmiles23@yahoo.com

Thanks for taking the time to read about my situation.

Hi, I'm Kelly and I am a Nurse in Need of Your Help

I am a woman who has dedicated my life to helping others but sadly, I was injured at work and was told by the doctor to stop working. The doctors think that the damage to my knees are extensive but my employer says the injuries are unverified and has convinced the insurance company to hold off treatment. Even though I have been treated terribly by my employer and the insurance company, I still have faith in the caring and compassion of others. It is with this belief that I humbly ask for help. Although financial help is what I need so desparately, even a kind word or some advise will be greatly appreciated.

If you would like more information about me and the help I need, please click on my AidPage 'Can you please help a nurse in need?'

Recently gone through bankruptcy and had to give up my dependable car. Now I have borrowed nearly $5,000 from friends and family to put an engine in my old car. More repairs were needed and now I'm needing $5,000 to pay back friends and family. I've tried getting loans, but since my bankruptcy is still fairly recent I can't borrow any money. I work full time and am actively seeking a 2nd job. I would really like to go ahead and pay back my fiends and family since I know they need it back soon. If someone could help me I would greatly appreciate it. Email me if you have questions rmiles23@yahoo.com

This is the first time I’ve every done something like this and it is difficult so please bear with me. I am Kelly and I am a Registered Nurse. I've spent many years having the opportunity to do what I love, helping others in need. I have been the caregiver and advocate for others who are suffering from illness or injury and also a liaison for family members who are caught in the painful, sometime powerless feeling of watching their loved ones go through illness or injury.

Now I find myself in the position of needing help. I was injured at work, but I am told it will be months until I receive any help financially. I have lost just about everything, except my home. And I am terrified I will loose that too. As a nurse I have faced emergencies with skill and professionalism, but I’m afraid I’ve hit a problem I am not able to fix. As difficult as it is for me to ask for help, I would imagine it is also difficult for someone to offer help to a virtual stranger, so let me give you a bit of insight into who I am.

I accepted the position as Director of Nursing at my current job. This facility's pay is very low with no health insurance or other health benefits, no sick time, vacation or holiday pay. This facility also had a reputation of doing very badly during state visits and has an administrator who is known for treating her staff poorly and letting the people in her care do without even some of the most basic of needs.

I had my work cut out for me. But I did not take the job because it would be easy. I took the job because I saw a need for my skills and expertise and I knew I could make a difference in the lives of the patients and the staff. I firmly believe that everyone, regardless of their financial or social status, deserve the best care available. And with the help of other dedicated staff members, I was able to create an environment that was focused on the well-being of those under my care. The patients and staff now had someone who was not afraid to speak up for them. Someone who put the patient's needs above all else and set the standard for other health care professionals in the facility. Having State Survey cite no deficiencies (the first time in over 10 years) was an added bonus. But the best indicator that I was doing my job was on the faces of those in my care. It wasn't uncommon for me to clock out at three but not leave until four. As I would make my way toward the door, patients would stop me and want to talk to me, share stories with me or just want to exchange pleasantries as I left and make sure I was coming back 'tomorrow'.

In my private life, I purchased a major fixer-upper. But it was love at first sight! By doing the renovations ourselves, we have saved thousands I’m sure and it also helps that we have been lucky enough to find things others don’t want and use it for this task. Even though this project has had to come to a halt since I’ve been injured, I know that the rest of the ceilings will be put up, we’ll be able to paint the drywall and have a tub to use down the road.

But in the meanwhile, I am in what seems to be a hurt at work nightmare as my boss and the insurance company refuse to get me the medical treatment I so desperately need and agree to give me temporary total disability. I am so lost, scarred and in so much pain. My hope is that there are people out there who would be willing to help me financially or by any other means available. My mortgage is $296 per month (one advantage of getting such a fixer-upper). And since we have been cutting back on bills, my bills are about $150 per month. Any help at all would be so appreciated. I could even make arrangements to pay back a loan if someone is willing to help in that way.

I have heard that adversity can bring out the best in people. I believe that with my whole heart. I’ve been privileged enough to see it during my career. Finding this website has really opened some doors for me and it is my deepest desire that once I am back on my feet again, that I return the favor by helping others in need.

Thank you so much for reading my story.
Kelly

Hello, I am Kelly and I am a Registered Nurse. I've spent many years having the opportunity to do what I love, helping others in need. I have been the caregiver and advocate for others who are suffering from illness or injury and also a liason for family members who are caught in the painful, sometime powerless feeling of watching their loved ones go through illness or injury.

Now I find myself in the position of needing help. I was injured at work and my employer is denying the validity of the claim. While this has to be worked out in court, which could take months, I have lost the only source of income for my family...me. I have no income and bills that will not wait. My biggest fear is that I will loose my home since I am unable to pay my mortgage of $296 per month and it is already overdue. It is so difficult to ask for help, but I would imagine it is just as difficult to offer help to someone you do not know so if I may, I will give you insight into who I am.

I accepted the position as Director of Nursing at my current job. This facility's pay is very low with no health insurance or other health benefits, no sick time, vacation or holiday pay. This facility also had a reputation of doing very badly during state visits and has an administrator who is known for treating her staff poorly and letting the people in her care do without even some of the most basic of needs.

I had my work cut out for me and I was up to the challenge. But I did not take the job because it would be easy. I took the job because I saw a need for my skills and expertise and I knew I could make a difference in the lives of the patients and the staff. I firmly believe that everyone, regardless of their financial or social status, deserve the best care available. And with the help of other dedicated staff members, I was able to create an environment that was focused on the well-being of those under my care. The patients and staff now had someone who was not afraid to speak up for them. Someone who put the patient's needs above all else and set the standard for other health care professionals in the facility. Having State Survey cite no deficiencies (the first time in over 10 years) was an added bonus. But the best indicator that I was doing my job was on the faces of those in my care. It wasn't uncommon for me to clock out at three but not leave until four. As I would make my way toward the door, patients would stop me and want to talk to me, share stories with me or just want to exchange pleasantries as I left and make sure I was coming back 'tomorrow'.

In my private life, I had my work cut out for me too. We had bought an extreme fixer-upper, but I fell in love with the house at first sight and knew, once the work was finished, it would be a wonderful home to grow old in. We have been doing all the work ourselves, but the work on our home has come to a stand still since there is not money to complete the projects still needing to be done.

Don't get me wrong. I do not mind living in our home that still needs so much work. I figured we may even be able to do without electricity if it comes to that, but I am terrified to loose our home. We would then be put out in the streets.

If anyone is able to help, I would be so greatful. And please, any help would be appreciated, no matter what it is.

Thank you for taking the time to ready my story.

Bless you all!

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2. Or, if you want to start a separate thread - make a new page.

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Feel free to participate in this public group space.

Two easy ways to do this:

1. Add a comment or a question here - on this page... or on any other page in this space.
   
2. Or, if you want to start a separate thread - make a new page.

Either way is good - the important thing is your participation. On Aidpage, people support each other by speaking out and by paying attention to each other - as simple as that.

Feel free to participate in this public group space.

Two easy ways to do this:

1. Add a comment or a question here - on this page... or on any other page in this space.
   
2. Or, if you want to start a separate thread - make a new page.

Either way is good - the important thing is your participation. On Aidpage, people support each other by speaking out and by paying attention to each other - as simple as that.

Feel free to participate in this public group space.

Two easy ways to do this:

1. Add a comment or a question here - on this page... or on any other page in this space.
   
2. Or, if you want to start a separate thread - make a new page.

Either way is good - the important thing is your participation. On Aidpage, people support each other by speaking out and by paying attention to each other - as simple as that.

Feel free to participate in this public group space.

Two easy ways to do this:

1. Add a comment or a question here - on this page... or on any other page in this space.
   
2. Or, if you want to start a separate thread - make a new page.

Either way is good - the important thing is your participation. On Aidpage, people support each other by speaking out and by paying attention to each other - as simple as that.