27 Year Old Single Mother Seeks Medical Expense Induced Debt Relief

by Nichole
(Elkhart, Indiana, USA)

Four years ago, when I was 23 with two toddlers and a one-week old baby, I woke up to find my jewelry and money all gone.

Their "father" had left without a trace, and we haven't heard from him since.

I had a tubal ligation in May of 2006, knowing I can't even take care of the kids I already have. I had insurance for all the kids and myself through the government.

When I was lucky enough to land a great job my insurance was cancelled but the kids still had theirs and that's all that mattered. I couldn't afford insurance by myself.

I started a relationship with a man that I am still with today. The next thing I knew it was my youngest child's 3rd birthday party, April 19, 2009, and I was rushed to the hospital.

I had a tubal pregnancy and was in the hospital for a few days. I was advised to terminate the pregnancy by two chemo shots. I cried for 12 hours straight before I let them put ono shot in each hip.

I remember the date, the exact time, what the room looked like, and the sweet lady who gave me the shots leaned over and kissed my forehead and in the middle of my sobbing she said, "I am sorry. You shouldn't have to go through this."

I went home a couple days later and was depressed. I couldn't play with my kids and I was in physical pain all the time.

I missed almost a month of work. When I did go back to work bills started coming and coming and coming... with no insurance.

At first I would cry every time I even thought about that day so I avoided their letters.

My boyfriend at this time had found a better job and we moved to a better home for the kids to attend a different school.

My vehicle broke so I had to go get another and the interest is 19% because now the medical bills from April have added up to $22,000.

I went to court for some of the bills and made arrangements to pay weekly, every Friday. I was trying to avoid bankruptcy and do the right thing to try my best to pay.

Then December came and I had another tubal pregnancy. This time I was very close to dying. I had emergency surgery. I would NEVER do chemo again for that.

I had insurance and so far I haven't had to pay that much. I contacted the obgyn/surgeon that did the tubal ligation explaining that it didn't work and guess what?

There is a .04% chance that you can have a tubal pregnancy once after tubal ligation and .02% getting pregnant twice. They didn't seem to care at all that I was having to pay all that money.

One Thursday night my daughter woke up extremely sick and I couldn't go to work Friday.

I called the creditor to notify her of the delay and that I would send a check. I go to write the check and of course I am out of checks.

I figured I would just make a double payment the following Friday. I actually ended up making a three-week payment so I would be ahead. I did what I thought I should.

I noticed 25% is being garnished from my paycheck last Thursday! I called the creditor and spoke with the same lady and asked why?

She said that I told her I would write a check and I paid cash on the following week so I didn't keep my word.

I asked her to terminate the garnishment because I will lose everything. Her response was if I paid my bills on time I wouldn't be in this situation.

I asked her if she had children and she told me not to go there and hung up on me! That is not how a good business is run.

I sat and cried feeling helpless. That day April 19, 2010 a part of me died. Now I can't even afford to live.

In the economy today I tried to NOT go bankrupt. I TRIED to do what's right and look where I am... 25% out of my income a week!

I can't even pay a retainer to hire a lawyer to file bankruptcy. I have no idea what to do. I need a grant for my medical bills if they are available.

If they want people to stay in Elkhart, to help the economy bounce back, then don't make us leave, I will lose my house!

We all are doing the best we can. Tomorrow is my 28th birthday and all I want is for this to find a solution.