Aids Tags

My husband had to have new glasses and hearing aids to pass his physical for work.
The glasses were only $120 but the cheapest hearing aids we could get cost $3000 and our insurance doesn't cover them. Please help.

What do you say when you are entreating an entire world of strangers to come to your aid? How do you sound deserving of their help? How do you express, without writing a novel, why you are in need, how you came to be there, how you came to choose this way of seeking help, and how very afraid you feel.
First, the reason I chose this method. I was feeling frustrated one night after being asked to work another fund raiser. While there is no doubt that the family is very much in need their financial security was markedly better than my own. I was wondering why it seemed that it was always people who already had some means at their disposal who got that kind of sympathy and help. Obviously I was feeling self centered but still the thought remained, what kind of resources were there out there for people like me, people barely above poverty level and struggling to keep from going under. So...I started searching the internet and came across references to "begging" online. I was shocked, I was appalled...I was hopeful. The anonymity of it was a big plus.
Feeling so hopeless, and out of control is very frightening for me. I work with the public. The street people call me Smiley because I try to always stay upbeat while at work and they know that if I can I will always help them with a dollar or two when they need it. There are many people ( even those who are only a few years younger than my 55) who call me Mom and have come to me for assistance both emotionally and financially. I have two adult children of my own and many more that have come through my household and are a part of my family even though they are not related biologically. I send my own Mother money a couple times a month. She lives on a fixed income that doesn't even cover here cost of living. I can no longer afford these things but I don't know how to cut off the aid to others even though I, myself, am in need of aid.
My husband and I come from poor families and were determined to make a better life for our own children. Since we both only had high school educations neither one of us are in well paying jobs but we have always managed to survive and our children never had to worry about whether Mom and Dad were going to be able to feed and clothe them. But things have gotten progressively worse this year.
I tried to start a small business in order to provide my oldest grandchildren and one of my children with a secure job and something meaningful to do. Trying to keep them out of the "system" and teach them to have self respect, and trying to provide a means for them to have financial security. But the business never picked up and we were funneling money into it...my daughter lost her husband and we were also supporting her household. The financial strain has put us in debt that we cannot pay. Our cars have broken down, there are three running vehicles for six drivers to use getting to work and looking for work but no money to repair or replace them. My daughter and her children are living in my home, having lost theirs, and my husband and I are staying with my youngest and her family. Her husband was recently laid off and she is expecting her second child. My husband had to have surgery and that put him off work for six weeks, and now in order to keep his job we have to somehow pay for hearing aids ($3000 for the least expensive ones). Although it is hard we have stuck together and are helping each other as best we can.
The problem is that I see no end in sight. Just the electric bill is $6oo a month thru the winter months. Fuel is outrageous. Food for this many people (5 adults, 3 late teens, and 3 small children) is very expensive in this state. Mortgage payments, gas for cars, and phones...these are things everyone has to pay. I know there are many who are far worse off than I, at least we still have roofs over our heads. But the output is so much higher than the income and each month, each WEEK, sees me feeling a little more desperate. How will I, will we, end up? Will we all be living on the street next year? The interior of Alaska is no climate for the homeless. I don't know what it will take to make this better, to make my family secure but I hope there is help out there for us.

I'm a single mother aged 35. I've lived in California for almost 14 years ( it will be 15 this year on memorial day weekend.)
I’m going to be a little blunt, because I'm tired and I want to give up so bad, but I can't. I'm better than that and my kids are my motivator. I wake up everyday and remind myself of 2 things :1) Faith is what you have when you all your beliefs are blown to hell. 2) What doesn't kill you makes you stronger -Nietzsche

I am a 35 year old educated, ambitious, head strong woman. I have owned my own business with my soon to be ex. I know what hard work and determination are. I went to private school and I am educated. I value my community and have always given back and will continue to do so. I also know that I have the drive and determination to get myself back on track. I'm not ASKING for a handout, I'm asking for help up! I also know what loss is. I don't have the business, a house or EVEN the car anymore. We lost everything. He bounced back , I didn’t. All I have is HOPE, that someone or some program can help me carve a path back to self sufficiency.
It's gone continually downhill.I am amazed at the allotment of programs for both housing and employment for all different walks of life. However, what about those that are just struggling. No hang ups, no record, just struggling and are LOW INCOME. I'm not writing this to make you feel sorry, I'm writing this because I have exhausted possibilities that I have researched both on my own or been given the information to do the work with.
There are people who struggle everyday through no fault of their own. They don't want a hand out, but help up would be a relief. Society doesn't need band-aids they need solutions.
Not every county, city or state program fits everyone's needs.
First of all Section 8 has been closed since BEFORE I left my marriage so that idea could never work. The list has been closed for years. Because I have limited time with my children, I do not qualify for CALWORKS. I have tried getting assistance in every way possible. I had very little unemployment left since I have been struggling to find work. I was delayed for about 3 months because they needed verification and I had to appeal and request a hearing. I have won my appeal but will only receive $91/week and for a short period of time.
I took a project management class through WIA in 2011, and I was able to get CTB benefits. I NEED HELP. I have hit the absolute worst point in my life and still refuse to give up. I have been looking for work and am now HOMELESS.I am in week 3 of staying in an extended stay hotel (paid for by my mother back east, who makes maybe $26,000/yr in PA) I recently sold my car because I needed to pay bills and rent. I have maybe $75 to my name.
The fact that they say there are services for low income/ homeless is frustrating. I say this because there is no category for me. I'm not a drug addict or in recovery. I don't have a mental illness. I wasn't in prison, I don’t' even have a RECORD. I can proudly say I've never been arrested or even in the back of a cop car. I'm not a victim of domestic violence and I do not beat my kids. Why aren't there programs in place for single parents struggling to make it? Everyday people that are responsible and respectable. I understand the need to assist those that may not have the capacity to take care of themselves. However, I have a huge problem with the fact that Santa Clara County & all programs (private, govt or state funded) will rehabilitate and reintroduced felons into the community, but if you're poor, homeless, no record, are looking for work, have high intelligence; sorry, you can't get help. This sounds extremely cynical and jaded, but I am a little after going through all I have.
I have been told constantly “I wish I could do something but we don't have any programs to help you.” My favorite reply is: "Yeah and you have done everything. I'm surprised you even knew about all the programs you did"
I have talked to employment counselors, program coordinators, program advocates and case managers, volunteers, just about anyone. The bankruptcy is hindering my chances of securing housing, even if I had employment.

The icing on the cake has to be with food stamps and General Assistance. I qualified for Cal-Fresh. However, at the time I had a car worth $2200. So I wasn't able to get General Assistance. Fast Forward a year later, I HAD to sell my car to pay bills. Now this month when I went for General Assistance, I qualify.

It's a never ending cycle, a constant push down. I can take public transportation to work, but to get around and see my boys and being able to transport them would be extremely difficult, not to mention financially stressing. I have scoured employment books, read articles, searched the library, spent hours online trying to find a job, program, a company, anybody who could be a resource whether for low income assistance or employment.
I can probably tell you about a plethora of services this county (Santa Clara) offers for both income assistance and job services.I am registered with CALJOBS; I know all the career sites and have my resume there. I get interviews, however I am starting to think the bankruptcy from loss of business is holding me back when employers do background check.
I also could teach the business writing class or the resume writing classes they offer at Work2Future, I practically did when I took them. I could do the same at Sacred Heart. I've been to InnVision and EHC. I’ve talked to Sunnyvale Community Services. Boy he was a treat he sounded older then my 80 yr old grandma. When I said I need housing and employment help, he gruffly told me to check the newspaper and hung up. I've called St Josephs in Gilroy. I've talked to a program coordinator at West Valley Community Services. I called the Sobrato Organization hoping they had ties to something and one the employees just by grace of god happened to pick up and take my call. I was able to talk to someone at HIF (they couldn't help)
.
I am responsible, respectable and just want to work, have a place to live, and be able to have my children 50/50. I have no police record. I am not in recovery, nor have I ever had to be in a program
I want to work and am attaching a compilation of ALL my work skills. I would not send this out otherwise, I would tailor it specifically to the job I am applying for.

I used to volunteer as much as I could I like being active in my community and helping others. I'm still about that I believe in PAY IT FORWARD. I believe the good you do comes back to you tenfold and that no matter what is going wrong in your life, someone else is struggling just as much if not more; so be thankful for what you have.
I attend church and was a hospitality volunteer for that as well.
I just need help getting on my feet. I have no family, other than my children here in CA.
I do not want to move back east and be far away from them. I want to work, I want to live again. I want to smile and mean it.

I hate what my life has become and know that I am SO MUCH BETTER THEN THIS.
Please help me : money is fine, but it's only a temporary fix, please help me find a program that can assist me in getting on my feet, direct me to employment, and most of all afford me the opportunity to have my children much more consistently so I can be a mom again.
Thank you
Courtney DiMiceli

I am a single mom with two boys. I don't know what to do anymore. Cost of living has just sky rocketed in the past year. Petrol price increase almost every month, which means food price rise. Medical aids don't cover anymore like they used to. I just can't make ends meet anymore. Any donation will be appreciated.
Thank you in advance and God bless you

The last two years have been rather unfortunate. I was going to school, had a good job and a relationship of 5 years. Then my father died, and I had to move my mother with dementia into my home. This caused strain on my relationship and it ended. Then I was laid off. I didnt want to aquire more debt, so I stopped school. My mother also passed away several months ago. I am a strong person, and I dont give up. I have a new job (that pays 5 dollars less an hour) and I have faith things will turn around. But right now im 6 months behind on my student loans payments that I have to pay back since im not currently enrolled. I have maxed out my credit card. and I am near termination of my utilities. I also need several hundred dollars of work done to my car. I just want help to catch up on debt. I know I can manage with a tight budget if i can just knock out what ive fallen behind on. I work at a hospital helping people every day, and im an active member of the community including fundraising for AIDS and Animal shelters. Now I need someone to please help me.. Thank you

The AIDS 2012
I would really like to go and as I missed the deadline for the sponsorship I now have to find the money myself to pay for the Flight, accommodation and travel. there is no way even if I got a job now that I would be able to raise that amount of money.
This only comes around every two years and this is the first time I have felt strong enough to go.

I have always been starting from the beginning and optimistic trying to accomplish something in this country (CROATIA), regardless of that this system is pushing me at the bottom literally in all the ways. I have fought bravely and honestly, until I found myself in a situation that I am no longer alone and need to provide life to my daughter. After divorce from a violent husband who left us on the street without a cent I’ve lost everything I had no incentives to pay kindergarten and school, schoolbooks, etc. I came into a situation that I must either pay the bills or school and credit. I enrolled and studied computer science for 4.5 years, but for financial reasons I have never finished it though for the end I have to pass few exams. I was hopeing to get a better job for myself and bigger salary. I have been working 2 jobs for 18 years and but I can’t pay my bills and food . My girl is only 9 years but she’s the one of the best in her class, she’s singing, danceing, acting and have a lot of success in all of that. But she has a problem with her violent father. He took her on 20.08.2011. on a vacation that turned into horror. He drinks, beats her and threatens her not to say that she wants to go home. I don’t have anybody to ask to help me in this. However, we do not have funds nor for lawyers nor for such ventures. I am considering about that the daughter and I move to another city and start life all over again, but unfortunately, for that funds are also needed. Please believe that even the smallest donation would help us begin the fight with a windmill and provided us with a small chance and hope that following years we will be able to live normally. I want to continue working and fighting, and with my own hands keep feeding this little family consisting of my daughter and me. However, I cannot begin without funds and in debts. We in Croatia as single parents, that is legal representatives of a child after divorce, have no financial aids, donations or grants, except the child allowance, which is approximately 26 Euros per month. I do not want to complain or write letters of 10 pages, and believe me I have printed them in hundreds (about that I am writing my first book - "Our million beginnings"). I am writing only out of fear for my child and the fact that I am aware that I must take her away from the father abuser as soon as possible. Honestly, I do not expect anything but I must try on, one way or another, to realize for my child a better life. Thank you in advance.
I’m sending you our documentation like reference for psychiatric care for my child (http://www.poliklinika-djeca.hr/english/) and other doc. If it needed.
Sorry for my bed english. Best regards,

I have always been starting from the beginning and optimistic trying to accomplish something in this country (CROATIA), regardless of that this system is pushing me at the bottom literally in all the ways. I have fought bravely and honestly, until I found myself in a situation that I am no longer alone and need to provide life to my daughter. After divorce from a violent husband who left us on the street without a cent I’ve lost everything I had no incentives to pay kindergarten and school, schoolbooks, etc. I came into a situation that I must either pay the bills or school and credit. I enrolled and studied computer science for 4.5 years, but for financial reasons I have never finished it though for the end I have to pass few exams. I was hopeing to get a better job for myself and bigger salary. I have been working 2 jobs for 18 years and but I can’t pay my bills and food . My girl is only 9 years but she’s the one of the best in her class, she’s singing, danceing, acting and have a lot of success in all of that. But she has a problem with her violent father. He took her on 20.08.2011. on a vacation that turned into horror. He drinks, beats her and threatens her not to say that she wants to go home. I don’t have anybody to ask to help me in this. However, we do not have funds nor for lawyers nor for such ventures. I am considering about that the daughter and I move to another city and start life all over again, but unfortunately, for that funds are also needed. Please believe that even the smallest donation would help us begin the fight with a windmill and provided us with a small chance and hope that following years we will be able to live normally. I want to continue working and fighting, and with my own hands keep feeding this little family consisting of my daughter and me. However, I cannot begin without funds and in debts. We in Croatia as single parents, that is legal representatives of a child after divorce, have no financial aids, donations or grants, except the child allowance, which is approximately 26 Euros per month. I do not want to complain or write letters of 10 pages, and believe me I have printed them in hundreds (about that I am writing my first book - "Our million beginnings"). I am writing only out of fear for my child and the fact that I am aware that I must take her away from the father abuser as soon as possible. Honestly, I do not expect anything but I must try on, one way or another, to realize for my child a better life. Thank you in advance.
I’m sending you our documentation like reference for psychiatric care for my child (http://www.poliklinika-djeca.hr/english/) and other doc. If it needed.
Sorry for my bed english. THX to all good people!!! Love!

Ours is a Research, Development and Charitable, Non-Profit Organization in Andhra Pradesh, India providing services for Poor and Below poverty line Community in the field of Education, Health and Housing, Water and sanitation, Environment, Rural energy, Animal welfare, Human Rights, Disaster management, Emergency relief Works, Shelter, Orphan Homes, Old Age Homes,Creches, Livelihoods, SHG's, Research and Development, Community Development, Community Health Centers, Agriculture, Watersheds, HIV/AIDS, Childrens related Issues, Cancer, e.t.c. in our area nearly 340 HIV/AIDS Orphans are living and more over they are from below poverty line.We need help for these childrens by way of Nutrition Food,Books, Uniform,Medicines, e.t.c for the academic year 2012-2013. All are girl childrens only. We request you please kindly help us in this issue. It is my request. If you need more information please kindly visit our web-site www.rrheds.org

roughly 6 months ago I lost my job and since then I’ve applied for at least a 1000 jobs , Stuff I’m qualified for , Stuff a monkey could do in his sleep and in them 1000 jobs I’ve had 3 interviews. Then I started having problems sleeping. So anyway I pop off to the doc’s, hoping that she will just inject me with some sort of horse tranquiliser but instead she prescribes me anti – depressant pills. So not only am I jobless, I’m also a mental case. Oh and to top it off I don’t qualify for any benefits, So the money I’ve worked so hard to save for the last few years is gradually disappearing paying my rent. So all in all – Good Times.


So I thought i'd try here as by the looks of it in a few month’s time me and my dog will be living on a high street near you. Me with holes in my shoes and him with a shoe string as a lead, Which by this time I would have got a taste for cheap cider and there will be no way back for me. I’ll earn my money by performing sexual favours for old men and eventually I will die of aids, Lonely, Ashamed And Full Of Aids.

So please help keep a roof over me and my dogs head.

Plus i dont like guys or cheap cider.So the whole outcome does nothing for me on a personal level.

So in the weak hope anyone can help keep a roof over my head for a little bit longer until , HOPEFULLY, I can find a job.

If not see you on a high street soon.

Hello, I need a little help. I have come to a point where I can no longer continue without financial help. I have a full-time job, but after paying child support with every paycheck, there is not much left. I currently attend school and look forward to getting my Bachelors this year; I am not looking forward to the student loans I will have to pay back. I also take care of my 83 year old mother.
I am drowning in my bills. I know if I get caught up I can manage from here on out. To add to my problems my car is starting to have problems. The last time I went to pick up my kids to spend time with them my car overheated. It has over 400,000 miles on it. I am luck that my mother qualifies for a lot of aids so she does not have to worry about medicine or seeing the doctor. I am hoping to get as close as possible to $10,000 to help get back on track. This can help pay for my past due bills and get a used car to take my mother to her doctor appointments and see my kids. Any donation will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Hello, I need a little help. I have come to a point where I can no longer continue without financial help. I have a full-time job, but after paying child support with every paycheck, there is not much left. I currently attend school and look forward to getting my Bachelors this year, I am not looking forward to the student loans I will have to pay back. I also take care of my 83 year old mother.
I am drowning in my bills. I know if I get caught up I can manage from here on out. To add to my problems my car is starting to have problems. The last time I went to pick up my kids to spend time with them my car overheated. It has over 400,000 miles on it. I am lucky that my mother qualifies for a lot of aids so she does not have to worry about medicine or seeing the doctor. I am hoping to get as close as possible to $10,000 to help get back on track. This can help pay for my past due bills and get a used car to take my mother to her doctor appointments and see my kids. Any donation will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Hello one and all,

As some of you may know and for those that dont i am completely passionate about swimming...in any water at any time any where and with as many people as i can, and i am equally passionate about encouraging others to do the same. I have thoroughly enjoyed coaching each and every person that i have come across that has asked for it (and some that haven't), whether that is for an event, a race, fitness, mental health what ever the reason, i have endeavored to create a safe environment were all feel safe, achieve, surpass that achievement and go on to develop a deep passion for swimming. I have met some incredible people along the way, who's reasons for wanting to enter or re-enter the water have left me breathless at times.
I would now like to turn that passion into something more, the group is expanding which i am overjoyed with, people are progressing, requests are coming in for me to help more and more people and each and everyone of them will get my undivided attention.

But i want to turn my passion into a qualification and therefore what to formalise what i am doing and 'be qualified' so we can get more and more people into the open water, the pool and into swimming in general. I also wish to apply for funding to the group so we can get training aids, wetsuits etc so the cost of starting in open water or any other type of swimming is not so great for people, i have been informed that if i am qualified and formalise the group we can apply and will certainly get funding for equipment. I want to make it a truly inclusive hobby or sport for people of all ages, abilities and disciplines. This last year has shown me how passionate i am about helping people reach their goals and i want to continue to do so.

But right now i need your help, as some of you know, i got made redundant (believe me i was not pleased about it) and money is not the easiest thing for me to find, swim courses are not held on a roll on roll off basis, there is a course coming up in March, but applications have to be in by the 6th of Feb, so essentially i have until the 5th to raise the money. My plan for the immediate and long term future is to get myself qualified then to raise money through sponsorship and any other means i can to get others qualified so that each an every one of us that wants to can get not only a qualification but a career in swimming, so we can keep the bug that is inside all of us alive and kicking. I also plan to extend this to other groups so they can be formalised and each of us do the same in our respective locations. There are no formal qualifications other than triathlon ones to teach open water swimming...as a trainer i will be looking to write a course for others to qualify in, we all work hard at our hobby, but i feel we could really expand what we do and really open it up to the masses. You know how passionate i am but also how proud so i do not ask lightly, your generosity would be appreciated, even if its just a penny...look down the back of the sofa....!!! I know times are hard for one and all so that is why i will understand if you can not help..if you can you know it will be money not wasted. For each an every one of that gets qualified a new swim adventure starts, we will be a team and who knows in the future we might be recognised for the impact we have on swimming and those who want to swim! How do you donate....via paypal as i think that is the safest way!!! If you can think of any other way i can raise the money ......let me know!!

My paypal address is pauline_squire@sky.com

Anything no matter how large or small would be eternally grateful. It goes without saying, my progress, the swims, the fun the laughter and the future will all be blogged about ...so there will be plenty for you to read about too xxxx

Zyrene was born with a bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss. Her parents detected that she was deaf when she was 2 years old. Right now, she wore hearing aids on both ears but according to the results still she cannot speak any word or even hear sounds. The doctors and audiologist suggested her to undergo cochlear implant. Med-El Company already gave them the quotation for the procedure and it's worth $50,000.00 on both ears. They cannot afford the high cost of surgery and the implant that will put on their daughter's ear. No insurance covers that kind of procedure and they cannot sustain their daughter's need to hear. They are seeking your kind hearts to help their daughter implanted and finally hear and speak. Help Zyrene hear sounds like we do. She's asking for your generous hearts to raise funds for her implantation. The money donated will be used to pay for medical expenses. Zyrene needs all your support and prayers to help her stay strong through this trial. All your generous contributions, thoughts and prayers are deeply appreciated! Thank You!

Ive had AIDS for 6 years and HIV for 16. I had HIV for 16 years, did some stupid stuff in the 90s and caught it through hetero sex. It was my fault but I did do alot of good, I worked as an electrician for 13 years and a US Marine for 6. I am also a dad who hasnt flown the coop. I worked for 28 years and had to stop because I caught menegitis and almost died. This was from having AIDS. Ive done the best I could but its overwhelming. I my lost my home, my career and my self esteem due to this. I doubt anyone will donate because times are hard and the only people who see this site are probly people in need but I guess I might as well. I do paintings to help my cognitive skills and all I really want is someone to look at my paintings or donate a dollar or two. Thanx for looking Dave My paintings are at http://www.etsy.com/shop/DavesRecoveryArtwork

I am seeking an appointment for counseling about delaying an upcoming eviction from my home. My case's facts:
1. I am 56 years old, never married, lives alone, no family.
2. Lived in my six floor walk-up apartment since Jan 15 1978. My name has always been on the Lease  Contract. 
3. Last full time job ended September 19, 2008. Unemployment ran out. Found two temporary jobs one in 2010 and another in 2011. Presently, actively seeking employment.
4. I have 18 years in Print Production, Plus 8 years in Print Sales - all in NYC.
Totally 26 years as a Commerical Printer. I have a BA from the College of Wooster. Website: http://woosteralumni.org
And I am definitely employable. I have good health. I get a fair amount of good job interviews. Have been very actively seeking employment of any kind. Still no work.
5. Savings are gone and no family help.
6. October and November's rents are unpaid.

I was hoping one can help me sort through what options I have. Possibly what grants/aids I can apply to for assistance. And/or help in delaying an eviction until employment comes into place. 

Can anyone help...??? My partner has full-blown AIDS and I only have a minimum wage job which does not cover all of the expenses. I have been looking for something better as a waiter or something like that where tips would be there. We have rent, car insurance, food, cable, landline phone, and I have one pay as you go cell phone for the purpose of jobs only. Any help would be appreciated.

http://timehasshownme.blogspot.com

We are a gay male couple. If you find this wrong, offensive, or anything else, please just find another listing on this website.

I will now go on. My partner has full-blown AIDS. I have watched his health decline severely over the years. It is quite heartbreaking. His last CD-4 count was 146, but luckily still with an undetectable viral load. My partner was a maintenance technician for apartment complexes for years and I have consistently been in the hospitality industry.

At this time, we are now trying to make it on my 40-hour per week front desk job which pays a whopping $8.00 per hour.

I ask for anyone's help. Please visit our blog, which I do the majority of the posting there. Again, any assistance will be appreciative.

http://timehasshownme.blogspot.com

HELLO I AM A MIDLEAGED WOMAN WHO IS ALWAYS TURNED OWN FOR JOBS IN THE MIDWEST WHEN I DO GET A JOB I A ALWAYS VERY PROFICIENT I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET A FAST FOOD JOB OR SOMETHING BCAUE NOW I HAVE TO TAKE MEDICINE SOMETIMES I GET IT SOMETIMES I DON'T I AM A PROVE JOB HUNTER WITHA WINNERS CIRCLE I ONLY NEED ABOUT 25 DOLLARS,CAN YOUHELP I HAVE A CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITION IT IS NOT AIDS OR ANYTHIN GTHANK GOD OR I COULD NEVER GET A LOOK AT THE FEW JOBS, CAN YOU HELP?I HAVE NO ONE TO RESIDE WITH CAN YOU HELP

I contracted AIDS in the late 90s, though Im not sure how I got it I know it must of been through heterosexual sex. I caught menegitis, lost my home my life savings and my career as an electrician. I do not worry about myself so much but my son who is only 9 and scared dad may die. I take meds to keep me going but cannot process information due to my bout of menegitis. I know nobody may hear or care but I feel its worth trying...I just want the best for my son. Thanx Dave

To Whom It May Concern:

I will be walking on behalf of the AIDS Run & Walk Chicago on Saturday, October 1, 2011. I am choosing to walk to raise money to help people impacted by this disease. There have been more than 450,000 Americans die from this disease and over a million more are living with HIV.

South Side Help Center (SSHC) has for over the past twenty years been a strong proponent and advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and education, particularly in the Black community. Therefore, I am personally requesting your help through donations and/or participation in AIDS Run & Walk Chicago 2011.

Through the AIDS Walk, your contribution will help to continue our deep commitment to serve the greater south side of Chicago with programs and services that are needed to increase the chances for a better quality of life for our disadvantaged youth, adults and families and HIV/AIDS clients.

Thanking you in advance for your kind support that helps to make the meaningful difference that enables SSHC to work towards achieving its goals.
Sincerely,

Erin Fletcher
Administrative Support
South Side Help Center
10420 S. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60628

Hello my name is [stricken]for safety I've been I've been sick with HIV for about 5 years in yhe last few years my condition has gottin worse its gone into AIDS I've been in and out of the hospital now for about three years. I'm fighting the goverment for ssdi its not going wellmy bills are pileing up any help would be a blessing Thank you very much for your time and understanding God bless

Hi, I am a former musical director who lost his full-time job due to younger generation moving in to replace me. I am 55 years old, in good shape and currently enrolled and have done very well in Voice Acting/Multi-Media/Film classes which are very expensive trade school type intense studies.

I am about half-way through the courses I need to launch my new career as a Multi-Media voice/music/acting/film/producer/director/advertiser. This will entail building a home studio, installing equipment and website/marketing costs. I am also playing in two bands and teaching guitar lessons trying to make up the lost income.

My motivation to ask for help financially is due to my hearing aids which are now very outdated. My right hearing aid has been repaired several times and no longer functions properly, I cannot use it to hear conversation. My left aid works but doesn't have the power I need to listen in class and hear what I need to excel. I use an outboard listening device right now but it is horrible quality. I am essentially rendered partially deaf because I cannot afford new hearing aids.

Our personal debt has been managed by my Wife's job but we cannot afford anymore credit card debt. What we bring in pays the bills, there's no more room for new hearing aids which cost $6500.00 for the quality I need. The top of the line aids are needed because of my new career, voice acting in a quiet studio, teaching guitar, live music performance, front of camera work. Contacting clients by phone and computer. All require a wide range of hearing.

My eyesight is now deteriorated where reading glasses don't handle my needs. I need either contacts or Lasik to go from reading copy, to front of camera to intense computer work.

I can offer, as a gift for your donation of $500 or more, a recording of a special instrumental song performed on my acoustic guitar. I can also offer voice-over work, custom made songs for your business for a generous donation.

I speak and write well. I just need help to hear and see better so I can continue to carry on toward my career goals. However, if you have the financial ability to truly help me, getting completely out of debt and purchasing the ear and eye assistance I need would cost about $25,000.

Seems like a lot but every penny helps and that would launch me into a great new career and take the pressure off my hard-working wife. I have a 15 year old Daughter and a 19 year old Son, both of whom I will hire to work for me, they are gifted and creative kids. Eventually, I will hire some of my fellow students for ad work, voice overs etc. This isn't just for me, it will benefit many.

Ask questions, I have nothing to hide except the fact I am "begging" online. I do not consider this begging however, since I am offering something in return to generous donations and I will benefit Society in general.

Thank you for reading, "my story". I hope to hear from you soon.

So, I guess this is where I tell my story and list my reasons for needing assistance. This isn't so much begging as a loan request because I do intend to repay every cent to anyone who feels inclined to help.

Basically, I grew up in and out of group/foster homes because both of my parents were heroin addicts. Before I was taken away from them at age four we lived in junky squat motels where my father would boost and my mother would prostitute to support their habit. Eventually they were both arrested for crimes committed to support their habit and that's when I was made a ward of the state.

For a brief period my father got out of prison, cleaned up, and I lived with him from when I was about 8 to 11. He got me out of the foster home I was living in, met a woman at the church he started attending and got a job as a truck driver. While he was gone at work she would beat me continuing the abuse I endured previously in the foster homes I was shuffled through. It didn't take long until he started using again, and we found out that he had contracted AIDS from sharing dirty needles while he was in prison. During the time he was sick I ended up having to take care of him every day after I got home from school because my abusive stepmother was either at work or would have nothing to do with him when she wasn't. Of course, he got progressively worse and my step-mom decided she no longer wanted to support either of us, so she stuck him in a hospice. I came home from school one day and the paramedics were loading him into the back of an ambulance. For the next month she would not tell me where he was or let me contact him. At the end of that month, she left me on the doorstep of my grandmother's house (mom's mom) and was gone.

My father died about 3 weeks after that, but because my biological mother was living at my grandmother's as well we did make daily trips to see him those last weeks. A small mercy being able to spend some time with him before he died. My biological mother had gotten out of prison after my father had and had moved in with my grandmother because she was trying to get clean, but that did not last long and while we would go visit my father she would cop dope and fix up my dying father in front of me, as well as use herself. A couple weeks after my father died she split back out onto the streets leaving me in the care of my grandmother.

Needless to say with so much turmoil in my life I freaked out at this point. My grandmother couldn't handle her newly teenage grandson with so many emotional problems and kicked me out because I was so unruly. I lived on the streets, in and out of group homes until I was about 16 where finally I landed in a well run group home with staff that actually cared about the kids that lived there until I graduated high school. I re-established contact with my grandmother and mother who was once again trying to get clean. That didn't last and when she was out on the streets this time caught a lengthy prison sentence.

When I turned 18 I had to leave the group home so I stayed with friends and lived on the streets for a while again, but eventually ended moving back in with my grandmother. Not long after that she ended up being diagnosed with lung cancer. I spent the next few years nursing her, taking her back and forth to chemo and radiation treatments everyday after working the night shift as a waiter. During that time my mother got out of prison, but could no longer run the streets because now she was diagnosed with emphysema.

My grandmother did have a brief remission, but finally did succumb to her disease. After that, my mother's disease started getting progressively worse and worse. To top it all off after that she herself was also diagnosed with lung cancer. Thankfully during that time I did have some help taking care of her because I found a wonderful woman who became my fiancée. We took turns taking my mother to her chemo and radiation treatments.

Now, there is a lot more detail to this story with many more ins and outs, but that is the general outline. I guess you're probably wondering where the begging comes in and what I need it for?

Ok, here goes:

During that time my fiancée's horse riding lesson business tanked, and because of the nature of my mother's disease someone always had to be home with her because she would fall asleep sitting up and choke her self to death so someone always had to be home with her precluding at least one of us from having a regular job. We got a small stipend from the state for taking care of her in home, and she would do web design and find odd jobs off of craigslist/the internet and that's how we'd survive every month.

Unfortunately it ended up not being enough to survive or get my mother to her treatments every day. She was on medicare and the closest hospital that would accept her insurance was 40 miles each way. So, she ended up shoplifting groceries for us and got caught. I bailed her out and we took care of her case, or at least we thought we had. Cut to 2 days ago, my fiancée and I are awoken by bounty hunters stating that she missed a court date and they had to take her in. Her bail is $20,000 because now she has a failure to appear, and since my mother died about 6 months ago she's been taking care of me and has been the sole bread winner like I was when her business was tanking.

Our rent was due 3 days ago and the manager of the extended stay hotel place we live at told me we needed to be out by yesterday. I have about $10 to my name and if I don't have $600 to him in the next day or two I am sure his patience is going to run out and me, and my two dogs are going to be out on the streets, my fiancée will not have a home to come back to when she gets out of jail, and we will lose all of our stuff. If any of these details are unclear of if you have any questions about my situation please do not hesitate to ask.

If there is anyone out there that is inclined to help us in any way our gratitude would be eternal. As I said, this would be a loan. We would both work to pay you back as quickly as possible and I am not opposed to working for it now if someone has work for me to do. Also, if anyone would be inclined to help bail her out we could pay you back even more quickly. Neither of us has any family to fall back on or ask for help so this is the last thing I could think to do.

Feel free to contact me any time, and I will get back to you as soon as I can! Thank you for reading this, and considering to help. My gratitude is immense and eternal.

-Jason

My friend and I have been volunteering in Haiti for many years but always with others establised organizations. Her dream has been to open a home/orphange for HIV + or AIDS children. It will be small only 7 kids so it will have the feel of a home. Well we are very excited that the dream is now a reality. As of last week we have found the perfect house to make a home in Leogane, Haiti. We have already put down a holding payment of $2,000., but we still need to raise an additional $10,000 to pay the first yrs rent. Unfortunately in Haiti you have to pay for the entire year in advance. We have a blog and a website. Some donations are coming in slowly, but we arent even close to what we need by the begining of May. Not only do we have to come up with the rent money, but we need to obtain all the things nessecary to fill this empty house. Its alot of stuff. Just look around wherever you are sitting now and thats probably only a small fraction of the same stuff we will need. We also need to get a generator, inverter and batteries just to keep the lights on. We also need to get a water filtration system and pump to make the well in the backyard work!!! Thanks for your help. We promise to give back to the community.