Oh Sweetie - Please don't ever feel like your problems and worries aren't as important as anyone elses. We all have things to cherish and things to endure. I don't think we can really compare our suffering but as you stated, I too, try to remember in the midst of my hard stuff, I know things could be worse. That in no way makes what anyone else is feeling less important. And I would never wish the health problems I face on someone so that they could understand that. Your problems and feelings are just as real and just as hard as mine.

The beauty of places like this is we share our stories and we can support each other. Whether that is in a financial way or a spiritual way or even friendship - every little bit helps. I think things happen for a reason and in the mdst of my sometimes chaotic life, I try to look for opportunities. That chance to learn from what has/is happening and I think we are maybe stronger in our faith (in both God and ourselves) because of what we're living.

I so appreciate your prayers! I will keep you and your family in mine as well. I know there are so many good people, who care and will help us and we just have to stay strong. Like you, I am glad to have a roof over my head dear StillBlessed! My Mom allows me space in her home and makes sure I have nourishment. I don't know what I would do without her. I do know she is worth far more than any amount of money or even the best of my health! Keep in touch and let me know how you are doing. And do not feel bad for reaching out. We all need help and I pray every morning that today will be the day that someone with the power to help us, will find their way to this site.

Try to take an easy day today and enjoy the loved ones around you. Hugs, Diane

It's kind of sad that there are so many in need and there don't seem to be many resources of help. I haven't tried myself to write to wealthy people because as the other person said, I know they typically give to non-profit organizations for the tax break. I used to work for a very large global company which has an alumni association for people who've left the company and they even have a members helping members section on their website. I felt bad asking them for help but I needed it. I had to provide them with access from my doctor to confirm I'd had cancer, etc. and the doctor's office ended up faxing them too much information (which included my social security number as an example when I say too much information). It was nice of them to agree to try to help but the process I had to go through to get them what they needed was very emotional for me. It took about three weeks and I was in tears at the end because I was asked to make myself a non-profit so they could get tax breaks and then would be willing to help me. I don't want to sound anything less than grateful and they raised $300 which helped me with one of my bills. I have learned to just acknowledge that I am too sick to work and take care of myself. That was hard after working my whole life and taking care of myself and others. To acknowledge my physical limitations and disability has been the hardest thing I have to do. Then I had to ask people to help me and I have to trust that some where I'll find the help or figure out what to do. I haven't been able to make the decision yet to file bankruptcy and I'm not sure how I would pay for that either because I hold on to the memory that I survived cancer and I overcame physical paralysis so I am keep trying to find help. I think maybe when some of these burdens are lifted, life will become easier and I will find that 'quality' where I know I won't have 'quantity' and I've made peace with that. I can't spend a lot of time on my computer because of the pain and swelling but I am slowly building a list of resources that might help people and will be posting those on a blog on myspace. Maybe I can post that here too when I have it together.

 Sometimes I guess if we can't get help financially, then a few kind words or the offer of friendship are the next best things. Some times we just need someone to remind us to keep living and keep asking. Good luck, I hope you do better than me and you can find someone who shares their prosperity. I used to do that when I was able to work and I even helped pay someone's rent and did what I could for others. Have a nice week.

Hi, thanks for the message. It was nice to hear from you. Sorry to hear you had cancer too. I'm not feeling well today so having a few nice messages cheered me up. I will be happy to pray for your children! Take care and have a nice evening.

Thanks for the message. It is nice to know someone understands (but sorry to hear someone has to because that means you've been through some things too).

Some days I wish I had a fairy godmother with a magic wand. I think back on my life and wonder could I have made one choice differently that would have made a difference but I guess life happens as intended and who am I to think I know best. Take care and have a nice evening. 

I'm a cancer patient too and sorry to hear you had it so young. There is a website called greedyorneed.com and they choose a greedy and a needy person and give $100 but be careful there because I had a friend help and there is a voting system and most everyone is greedy from what i experienced but maybe they would help you. I lost my health insurance so I am in the same place as you and can't afford medical care and if I come across anything that might help you, I will stop back here and share the information. Good luck sweetie, I hope the lump is nothing to worry about. Diane

Glad to see you are reaching out further! It takes a while to get help, I know and I wish I had money so I could help you. But hang in there, I know it is hard asking for help and feeling like you've turned over every rock but you really deserve justice.

I'm not sure if your civil rights have been violated but if so, try looking up New York Civil Rights. It is a same congressman and politics can't help. Especially those running for President who say that is what they do.

I'm sorry you aren't well, I know how that feels and what it does to your life. I am in the appeal process for disability and started last September. I wish I could help you financially but I think maybe I can at least share a great resource with you. If you google MSN has a group called The Social Security Disability Coalition and it has a lot of great information and resources that may be able to help you. There are organizational links too for resources to help with some of th things you mentioned. I hope your health improves soon but I have to say what a loving man you have standing by your side.

Hi, my name is Diane and I am new to this.

Hi sweetie,

What a lovely dream! I think you could qualify for a grant. The public library is a good resource, and they offer free 4 hour seminars on how to fill out the paperwork and make your proposals. I know Rupert Boneham (from Survivor fame) started an organization called Ruperts Kids and maybe they could help you with some information on how they got started. He helps kids too and has done a lot of great work! If I had money, I would help, I never thought I would be in the position I am currently in but I think we take our health for granted and getting really sick can be devastating. Anyway, I do hope you get what you need. This sounds like a great program. I wonder if Oprah's big give could help? Just a thought.

After six difficult years, I am trying to rebuild my life. It began in 2002, when I had a malignant spinal tumor and paraplegia. It was diagnosed as a rare bone cancer called Chordoma. It affects about 1 in 2,000,000 in our country so I try to believe this was life's way of telling me I am special but it has been a long road. While the doctors said I would never walk again, I worked really hard and got movement back in my feet and strengthened my legs - I learned to walk again.

I returned to work after a long medical leave but then a series of things happened. My Dad got sick and he was finally diagnosed with cancer (stage 4). I tried to help my Mom take care of Dad but he died in 2005 (his funeral was on my birthday). I have had three major surgeries since my diagnosis and been dealing with complications. On my last medical leave, I lost my job (income, benefits, independence and my identity which was closed to tied to the long career I'd had). I've seen a lot of loss (with the death of other family members, a few friends and even my beloved dogs). My Mom isn't well but she keeps a roof over my head and I am in the appeals process in trying to get disability benefits. My health is worse than ever and I can't afford medical care or medications (through I am not waiting on information from the Partnership for Prescription Assistance).

I've lost nearly everything I have and I don't have good health but the worst part is how I now feel about myself. I used to be this really strong, independent person who could take care of herself and others; suddenly, I'm someone I don't understand. I try to not feel like a failure and remember that I overcame physical paralysis and understand that I have been paralyzed in a different way since the loss of my job. Some days I feel like I've failed since I can no longer work. I'm losing my car which I know can be replaced but I realized that when I am in that car is the time I feel best and other than the car representing a symbol of my independence, I'm not sure why it helps me feel better. So I am trying to find the strength to fight this paralysis that is not physical and move forward. I'm trying to not feel like a burden on my Mom, she loves me unconditionally but I know she doesn't really have the resources to take care of me too. I think the one good thing of this place I am in and no longer being able to work though, is my Mom and this precious time I am able to spend with her. I have a lot of physical limitations and she has some too so we work together to be a whole person.

I'm dealing with more than I have ever dealt with and I am trying to fix my life. I know I can't go back to the person I was so I have to figure out who I can be. I have to figure out a lot of things and find my inner source of power that I know it there but it must be hiding. Thank you for listening to that much of my story.