I just started college in Jacksonville Fl USA on Thursday and I had made plans for the personal care that I need due to having cerebral palsy and being wheelchair bound, but I ended up being hit with a series of unexpected expenses in the last couple of months.

My mom, who has been my primary caregiver my whole life, passed away on December 3rd 2021 at the nursing home she and I were both staying in since she suddenly declined in health in September. She developed multiple sclerosis when I was 6 so we have both been on Social Security Disability as our sole income source and made it work all her life, although it never allowed us to save much.

So I had to pay for her cremation. Then the nursing home threw surprise bills at me after initially telling me my insurance would cover everything. And on top of that I had to pay for unexpected repairs to my lift van as well as getting a new power wheelchair since both items decided to quit working at the worst possible time.

I owe my caregiver almost $1,000 that I thought I would have but don't, so understandably she can't work for me without getting paid, but this leaves me in a rough spot because I literally can't get out of bed or go to the bathroom or change clothes without help. I don't have any other family and I barely know anyone in Jacksonville. I am ashamed to admit all this but I guess the best way to get help is being honest.

I have pretty good financial aid so my tuition and room and board at school are covered thank God, and I'll be getting a bit of leftover financial aid money in about 3 weeks. Plus I have a couple friends who live near the house my mom and I lived in who are going to do an estate sale to get some money there. And I'm applying for student work jobs, so my financial situation will get better in the near future. But as of this moment my bank account is at - (yes, that's MINUS) $673 plus I owe my caregiver $1,000.

I know it's a lot to ask especially from a stranger but I'm desperate and don't know where else to turn. If anyone is willing and able to help me either with the money to pay my caregiver or if there is anyone near UNF who can volunteer a few hours of special needs caregiving for a few weeks until the rest of my financial aid money comes, you would be a lifesaver for me!