I'm currently disabled due to a work-related spinal injury from 5 years ago. I was actually stripped of my health insurance and fired while on state-sanctioned medical leave from my job--which, of course, is illegal. Unfortunately, I was unable to find an attorney--anywhere--that would protect my rights. I was forced to do without ANY medical care for over 3 years, until I was poor enough to qualify for Medicaid. Unfortunately, without any care, my spinal problems have crippled me and require in-home caregivers. I need spinal surgery, however NO neurosurgeons in the state of Washington accept Medicaid. This has put me in the impossible situation of being in constant, excruciating pain and nearly completely homebound.

I've been unable to work since January of 2005. August of this year, I became homeless because my landlord decided to sell the condo I'd lived in for 6.5 years and I'm unable to afford the local rent. Section 8 housing has a waiting list in the 1-3 YEARS range, so I'm in a holding pattern with all my belongings in storage and sleeping in a room at the home of a church friend. Obviously, this is not an ideal situation. It's nearly impossible to remain hopeful.

Thanks to the injury, I've developed carpal tunnel, fibromyalgia, obesity, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, depression, PTSD, TMJ, balance and gait problems.

Prior to the injury I was a very physically active person; yoga and fitball 7-days a week, weight/aerobic cross-training at the gym 4-days a week, I hiked, biked, skated, and was a long-time martial artist. I was extremely active with my church and a community volunteer.

I've been a freelance writer since I was 14, but the injury has sucked not only all the joy out of my life, but my ability to sit for any length of time at my computer. I've watched all my dreams go up in flames. Limited by Medicaid, poverty and homelessness, I don't see any future for myself. Obviously, I need help.