Rheumatoid Arthritis-Afflicted Entrepreneur Seeking Government Or Private Grants To Keep Boutique Running

by Francis Henry (Hank) Fay
(Chelsea, MA, USA)

Hank at

Hank at "Venus Rising"

Rheumatoid arthritis seems like something old people get, old people ready for retirement.

My doctor told me "You don’t get it, you can go home! You’re totally disabled!"

She sounded like a game show host awarding a prize.

I was miserable. I had lost my middle age and become a senior citizen with the stroke of a pen. And I knew what it meant for me too: cable TV, booze, pills, junk food and a premature death. I confided my fears to Doctor Game Show.

I chuffed "Alcoholism and diabetes will kill in ten years if I go home!"

“Five” she awarded confidently.

I fought for a referral to a specialist; most people don’t. I refused valuable prescriptions for vicadin and oxycontin; most people can’t. I endured painful physical therapy; most won’t.

I learned about my diagnosis online and changed my life style and diet.

When I wasn’t strong enough (yet) to work out at the gym, I took voice lessons as cardiovascular therapy. Even Dr. Game Show started to take my recovery seriously.

A harried RN offering me a wheelchair gratis liberally doled out admonishment for a lack of gratitude on my part. And I’m sorry I blew past her as fast as I could under the circumstances.

I am no longer "headed toward an amputation," or even walking with a cane (much). I have preserved my independence and created meaningful employment for myself.

Employment serves as occupational therapy for my afflictions (alcoholism, RA, diabetes, and high blood pressure), and precludes depression by preserving my position in my community and my dignity as a man.

I am the sole proprietor of a small boutique.

“Venus Rising” is more than just a neighborhood shop selling greeting cards and candles, my store is a gathering place for neighbors in recovery or seeking it to meet and greet, and an amenity for the local residents shopping in their own area.

I am searching for grants to help keep my store open. I would like help purchasing technology, merchandise, equipment and display fixtures.

Although the store makes sales, it does not provide a living for me (yet). I survive on SSI and food stamps.

Thank you for any help you can offer in my search for private and public grants to keep my store during these difficult times.