50 Year Old Accident Disabled Woman Seeks Grant For Greater Independence
by Thalia S. Echols
I am the fourth oldest of eight siblings. Both of my parents are deceased. My disability is a result of an on-the-job injury to my cervical spine. This injury occurred January 9, 1993 while I was working as a store manager. I injured myself as a result of heavy lifting. My injury was four herniated discs to my cervical spine. I have had six major surgeries to my cervical spine, which includes three fusions with metal plates, and the removal of the C7 disc of my cervical spine and T1 of my thoracic spine. These discs were replaced with metal discs followed by another metal plate. I have a total of thirty-two screws in my neck. After the first five surgeries I got a job working as a Chiropractor's Assistant. In June 2004 I had to stop work if I didn't want to become completely paralyzed, which was starting to happen. In October that same year I had my six surgeries. In February 2005, I was granted my disability from the judge. Two vocational experts at the hearing said that it would be a medical risk for me to keep working at the kind of job I was doing and especially using my arms. It is hard to perform everyday duties around the house, but I manage to do so even if it takes me longer to do it than it did before I was injured. I am currently receiving SSI, which is the only income that I have. I have been searching for at-home jobs to assist me with my income, but have not had any success I am looking for a grant to help me with paying off some bills or help me to maybe start my on business If I could, I would like to start a business that would help other people to have a second chance at life, a chance to start anew.
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