The Bonk Family
Johnstown, PA
$500.00 raised of $9,969.00
0%
9 months
0%
1 months
13%
6 months
0%
1 months
Story
Name
Julie Bonk
Injury/Illness
SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus
I am a 45 year old wife and mother of two who was diagnosed with lupus over 10 years ago. I have been unable to work for the last 5 years due to the deterioration in my health. I do receive Social Security Disability benefits but because of the short time I was healthy enough to work its not even enough to cover groceries for a month. Aside from my Lupus I have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease as well as degenerative joint disease. I have had well over 10 surgeries on my spine and joints for fusions, joint replacements, for injuries sustained from the degeneration of my joints and to "clean up" areas to prolong getting other joints replaced.
My husband who is an Army Veteran and Union welder has been the sole provider for our family for a number of years and has always worked long hours to make a comfortable living for our family. Recently he had to take a medical leave from work to have spinal surgery himself which left us with only Disability benefits from his Local Union which are only 1/4 of what he makes working. Due to the physical nature of his job he can not return to work for at least 4 months or longer. We have already had our house go into forclosure, we are behind on all of our utilities with shut offs looming, our vehicle which is nearly paid off is at risk of being repossessed. I have never been as stressed out as I have been lately which makes my Lupus even worse. I have missed doctor appointments and cut out prescriptions that aren't 100% necessary to save money. I utilize every food distribution in our area to help cut our grocery bill. I have even started canning so that nothing goes to waste. This is my last hope for assistance as I don't have anywhere else to turn.