41 Year Old Disabled Single Father Seeks Education Grant To Better Family Life

by Darrell Titington
(Clarksville, TN, USA)

I am a 41-year-old disabled single father. My wife and I have been separated for a long time.

I have two children, ages 12 and 11. They are both honor role students, and they plan on going to college. We have lots of fun being together. I love my kids.

I had a stroke on March 26, 2004. I will never forget it. I was working on my car and when I removed the part from my car, I took a break.

Then I started feeling sluggish. So I took a shower, but when I finished, I couldn't get out of the shower. I had to lift my leg up in order to get out.

I was starting to get nervous. Time seemed like it was going so fast, then I blacked out. When I woke up, I was at Gateway Hospital in Clarksville.

They ran tests on me and said that I needed to go to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. I had a stroke.

When I got there, they where ready to start on me, to get me back on track. I went through speech, and occupational therapy.

They worked with me constantly, until it was time for me to go home, I stayed in Vanderbilt for one month.

The doctors said that I was overweight, and I didn't take my medicine as prescribed. The doctors said I am alright, but I still have some residual effects with my hand and right foot.

In February 17, 2008, I was diagnosed with kidney failure. I was devastated. I have been dealing with this disease, but I will live life to the fullest.

The doctors said it's from me having high blood pressure. I now do peritoneal dialysis, four times a day, every day.

I'm suffering financial hardship due to my limitations. I can lift only fifteen pounds, and have a catheter in my stomach.

I'm trying to find a job that's part-time, and is free from hazardous materials.

I am signed up with goodwill industries, and ticket-to-work. I have been dealing with them over a year now.

I need to get my education funded by a grant. It will help me out tremendously. I really need this help.