Help me stay on my feet

Hi,

my name is Michael and I never thought I’d find myself in a situation where I’d have to ask for help. But right now, I really don’t know where else to turn.

Both my knees are in a bad way. The pain is a daily struggle; sometimes it’s so severe that it’s hard to even get out of bed, let alone work. The doctors have told me that without an operation, it will only get worse. The problem is that the operation means at least a year of recovery – a year during which I wouldn’t be able to work.

I’m self-employed. I’m not entitled to sick pay, and I have no safety net to fall back on. If I stopped working for a year, I’d lose everything I’ve built up for myself over the years. I’m not just talking about work – I’ll lose the chance to live with dignity. Finding yourself in this trap, where you have to choose between your health and survival, is terribly hard. Apart from my parents, I’ve tried to keep this a secret from everyone for years, because I’m ashamed of it.

That is why I am here. I am asking for your help – so that I can undergo the operations that will give me the chance to walk normally again, to live without pain, and, above all, to return to work in time and stand firmly on my own two feet once more. Literally.

Every contribution, big or small, means hope to me. And even if you can’t contribute, perhaps it will help if you share this story.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Michael