I'm raising money for basic needs so I can live comfortably in my apartment.

Why I'm using HandUp for my basic needs.

I recently moved into an affordable housing site and I'm getting settled in. My amyloidosis is hardening my organs, and they expect me to only have one to two years left. Because of this condition, I'm mostly home-bound. I had a heart attack and I couldn't call for help. I have also been fainting and falling as my health declines. I'm afraid that something will happen to me and I won't be able to call for help, I'm afraid of being left alone for days. I'm hoping to get a Life Alert button or similar subscription to make calling 911 easier. I also want a personalized medical ID bracelet listing my allergies and conditions in case of emergency.

About me.

I'm Japanese American, third generation. I have worked since I was 13 years old to support my family. I was an executive assistant and receptionist and worked at several homeless shelters and AIDS Hospice. My last position was working for In Home Health Services, which I had to discontinue when my patient attacked me in the elevator.

My backstory.

I stopped working after I was attacked by a patient in my position as a home health aid. I had four patients in the building where I was attacked and I had to give up all four of my patients. I had PTSD after the incident and became unemployed. I receive state disability. In addition, I have amyloidosis, which is life threatening. I will be pending social security once my state disability ends. The state disability that I receive covers my rent and bills but then I barely have money left for my basic needs and paratransit.

My goals, moving forward.

I'm hoping to survive this amyloidosis. I'm waiting for my final biopsy to tell me what stage I'm at. They say I have one to two years to live so I would like to be able to enjoy the small things in life.

Other things I'd like to share about myself.

The happiest moment in my life was adopting my dog Snow. Getting counseling at the trauma center helped me tremendously after my attack. Project Homeless Connect has given me hope.