George Williams a postal worker at the USPS Cardiss Collins P &DC in Chicago, IL.

Hello my name is George.

My story begins like any normal person’s, getting up each day to go to work. My job is very physical and requires a lot of bending and stooping. After two decades on the job, I started having problems with my knees, especially my left one. The pain got so bad that I made an appointment with a doctor in February 2015.

After two second opinions, I was given a diagnosis of severe arthritis. I wasn’t too worried. I had several coworkers who had knee surgery and knee replacement  and they all returned to work. I decided surgery was my best option, especially if I wanted to keep my job. The surgery was scheduled for March 2015 along with four months of rehabilitation before I’d be able to return to work.

Then, in July 2015, I started having difficulty walking and maintaining my balance. My legs were getting numb. I lost bladder and bowel control. I tried not to panic and contacted my doctor. After he examined me, he recommended a neurological specialist. After an MRI examination, I was told I had a growth on my spinal column, which resulted in a compressed spinal cord. He said without surgery, my condition would get worse and possibly end with total paralysis. I decided to get a second opinion. Then another. All the doctors agreed with the first diagnosis. What else could I do? I said yes.

I had an emergency spinal surgery in August 2015. The surgery left me “paralyzed incomplete” — a term that means my paralysis could be temporary but there were no guarantees of full or partial recovery.

Over the next three months, I was shuttled from one rehab hospital to another and due to be discharged in October after Blue Cross Blue Shield refused to pay for more treatments. But thanks to the dedicated hospital staff and case worker who intervened for me, in November I was transferred to another rehab center.

Unfortunately, my story ends the same way it does for many people in my situation once the insurance company stops paying the bills.  I was discharged in December and sent home. I cannot care for myself alone as I am still paralyzed from the waist down so I rely on the kindness of friends and family. Sometimes, that has been the hardest part. My fear of being a burden on the people I care the most about.

I was a person — like many people — who worked, enjoyed outdoor activities, paid their taxes, never committed a crime, didn’t engage in any risky behaviors, raised their families, and paid their medical insurance.

And one unforseen incident–like a growth on my spine–turned my life upside down. I was out of insurance benefits, in spite of paying my premiums faithfully for over twenty years. It was the kind of education about the medical system that I hope no one else learns the way I did. The hard way.

Instead of more treatments, I was told by hospital staff that I had two options: go to a nursing home–which my insurance would not pay for, or go home. Another thing I learned was to go to a nursing home, I would have to give up everything I owned: my home, car, savings, and nearly all my possessions. I decided to go home and try to make the best of it.

Unfortunately, the medical bills followed me to a home that wasn’t equipped to deal with my handicaps. When a friend suggested I post my story on GoFundMe, I decided it might be my best chance at getting the financial help I need.

My goal is not to get rich off the good intentions of anyone reading this. I’m not asking for pity. There are many people with stories more heartbreaking than mine. What I’m asking is for is your help, whatever you can spare.

My plans for whatever money I receive are to make modifications to my home so I can function there.

1. A ramp from my front door to the sidewalk

2. A wheelchair lift so I can get from my bed to the kitchen, which requires four steps to reach.

3. The door of my bathroom must be widened so I can get in and out in my wheelchair

4. I need the funds to get transportation to and from rehab and to pay for my rehab sessions, which cost around $300 a session.

I am a fighter. With God’s help, I will walk again. I pray that he will give me the strength to keep fighting. Whatever you give will be appreciated.

Thank you and God bless.

George

GoFundMe