Working With Disabilities

Posted on: Mon, Aug 11 2008 4:48 AM

Posted by: Cannoli Posts: 502

Hi Emma,

Well, we are in the same boat as others here are.  When I was hit with a cancer diagnosis and no insurance, my medical bills came close to half-a-million dollars ($500,000).  This was 6 years ago, and I don't know how it all came about, but I'm still here.  I had to wait until my port was removed in the hospital before I could declare bankruptcy.  The foolish woman in the finance dept. at the hospital had me in tears because she was going to disallow the surgery, but she caved after a little while.  I was harassed for years via phone and snail mail, but at no time did anyone ever have the audacity to come to my home to collect payment.  That is just appalling to me that court papers were served to you by a police officer at your residence in the middle of the night!  What the hell?!?!?!

Anyway, I have spent hours and hours day after day researching on-line for legitimate employment.  Not happenin' yet, but I just keep pluggin' away.  Thank goodness I have my mother's house to live in so I'm not homeless...yet.

My thoughts are with you, and if I find anything good to share, I'll let you know.  Less pain and more joy.....Ciao, Carol

(p.s. You may consider registering at different job search engines [Monster, HotJobs, CareerBuilder, etc.] and local temp agencies.)

Posted on: Mon, Aug 11 2008 1:03 PM

Posted by: equalaccess Posts: 13

 Cannoli

 Been there, done that.  Diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 1990, I survived 27 melanoma in 8 years and over 1800 surgeries, lost my health insurance and my credit rating, hounded by bills, and lost friends who did not want to see me die slowly.  Yet, I am still here.  My doctor told me that God does not want me yet, I have too much left to do.  All I know is that when you have a devastating injury and then multiple melanoma, you learn to reevaluate life and focus on what is really important to you, and who is not superficial.  You learn to say "I love you." to the people you do, and to smile often at the little things. You have a great attitude.  God left you here for a reason.  Blessed are the questioners, for we shall find the answers.

Posted on: Mon, Aug 11 2008 3:55 PM

Posted by: Cannoli Posts: 502

Hi Equal,

Wow, malignant melanoma is the most deadly of all the skin cancers, and your numbers are staggering, as are your additional setbacks with insurance, friends, etc.  To say nothing of being a quadriplegic for 30 years.  I am amazed and humbled by your strength and passion for life.

Indeed, life is about moments.  "Blessed are the questioners, for we shall find the answers".   I had an "aha" moment many years ago with the realization that "The only thing that matters is that we ask what matters."  I think we are saying the same thing just with different words.

Very cute puppy btw.  Take care.....more joy.....less pain.....Ciao, Carol 

p.s. There is a new group starting called "Surviving & Thriving" for cancer survivors.  Sorry, all that we've gotten off the subject at hand here, but ultimately I think it all ties in together with sustaining life.

Posted on: Fri, Aug 15 2008 3:00 AM

Posted by: ArizonaSherry Posts: 381

Hey you all, I want to say thanks for all replies.  There were good ideas and sites posted.  I appreciate those who shared that they share this same problem and the frustration and helplessness that comes with it.  I'm still looking around, just so ya know.

Sherry

Posted on: Fri, Aug 15 2008 3:24 AM

Posted by: Cannoli Posts: 502

Hey Sherry,

Ditto.....wishing us the best of luck.....I can't wait for Sept. to get here.....job market in San D usually gets better when school starts again.....it's a college town, among other things.....are you still up?.....less pain.....more joy.....employment!!!!!.....take care.....Carol

Posted on: Fri, Aug 15 2008 8:14 AM

Posted by: shellGVchick Posts: 1,261

Sherry I'm still crossing my fingers and toes for you.  Some thing has to turn up.  All you need is an interview and I think you'd be in the door.  Your presence and personality speak for itself.

Posted on: Fri, Dec 5 2008 5:45 AM

Posted by: emma1 Posts: 28

Hi Dave,

Sorry, I'm a little computer handicapped - What does ABs mean?

What has happened with Disaboom? Is there any progress toward finding jobs for the disabled?

It appears that no one here even has a suggestion for me - pretty discouraging, as I really need some income from somewhere in order to survive. Please, any way to get some help to find a full job at home or business not involving the telephone or expenses, would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Any resources, anything at all, I'm not particular. Some one here has to have a way to survive??????

Posted on: Fri, Dec 5 2008 8:18 AM

Posted by: Klassilass Posts: 17

 So sorry you are frustrated Sherry.  I found myself in the exact same boat.  After reading your post, it sounded like you had MS.  The list of symptoms sounds exactly like those of us suffering from multiple sclerosis.

Are you into crafts or anything that has the potential to make money?  I am thinking about getting an etsy account where you can sell the crafts you make.  It would allow you to stay at home, make what you enjoy,  rest when you need to and work only as hard as you want to.   lol  It sounds like an advertisement for etsy but you can also get an ebay account.

Just a thought

Hope everything levels out for ya soon

kel