My name is Chris.  I’m 71 years old and never thought I’d be asking for help.  I am the mother of 6 grown children, 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.   I’ve worked very hard since the time I was able.  I’m a devout Christian woman who prays many times a day.  I’ve studied the Word of God and try to abide by His teachings. I was an independent bridal seamstress for over 25 years, but has to quit because I couldn’t do floor work anymore.

I’ve been struggling for about a year now, with financial issues.  My health is not great.  I has 22 surgeries, faulty hernia repairs with rejected mesh and infection, more mesh,  infection…  I finally stopped and have been left with an extremely LARGE abdominal hernia, better known to my family as Baby Bertha.  I also have osteoarthritis.  I’ve had all my joints replaced over the past 5 years.  My back is very bad, but can’t have repair because of my abdominal hernia.  Against my doctor’s advice, I have continued to work in part time positions in a bakery and in a hobby store in fabrics.  I was completely taken off guard when I was released from my last job in March, where I had been for 6 months.  They just told me they wasn’t enough work and they had to cut back.  I was devastated.  But Ive continued to look for work.  My inability to lift and move about quickly is prohibitive.   So from there I have  been struggling to make ends meet.

I live in a senior center which is great.  They have elevators which helps me with .mobility.   I’ve  gotten a little help with my rent.  But Im a month behind  on rent.  I’m behind 2 months on my car payment which now has a repo order out, so I can’t drive very far.  I need tires very badly and my brakes are going bad.  My only income is social security.  Its very hard for me to ask for help but I am drowning right now.  I can hardly walk and I cannot stand for long periods.   I just keep praying for a way.  I need $1700 for rent and $900 to catch up car payments.  I will need to get new tires very soon.  Groceries are so expensive right now.  I eat a lot of eggs!!

Thank you for listening!!!  God bless.