Story

UPDATE: The goals of this fundraiser have been met outside of the gofundme website This fundraiser is to help with a few things, and would ultimately allow me to continue working by creating art. I will create a quick bullet list of concerns by priority/time sensitivity, which will be explained in the paragraphs below. Needing a short 2-4 week rest from work because of physical anxiety symptoms and repetitive stress injury ($1k to pay monthly bills) UPDATE: I have decided to use this money and time to catch up a bit on my work instead of taking a full break. I am taking 3 day weekends and shorter work days. Overdue self-employment taxes from last year ($3,759.38+ by December 25th) Hospital bills ($1,400+, unclear about due date as I am getting bills from debt collectors, the hospital, and EMT service, will update when a more specific clear number is reached) Upgrade work computer to a large display desktop ($1000-$1400 max) From the past year, most of my self-employment tax savings went into the purchase and maintenance of a second vehicle for a housemate who could not get one on his own, as well as money for one of our cats who was being treated for cancer (who sadly passed away anyways). I have been making payments, but by the end of December I will need to pay $3,759.38 (plus fees if not paid sooner) and I haven't been making enough money to pay this and also pay for monthly expenses. If I continue on this path, I will be in the same boat next year, unable to pay my owed taxes for 2023 right away and the cycle will continue. I have provided a screenshot of my IRS account balance. I also have developed an incredibly irritating and practically debilitating case of paresthesia of the head (which is essentially a constant sensation of numbness and tingling on my scalp.) I suspect nerve irritation or damage has occurred from the way that I have to sit. I know for a fact it is worsened by physical anxiety as well. As shown, I draw on a tiny square card table and have to sit hunched over it to type or draw. UPDATE: Someone graciously purchased a desk and chair for me, so that will help significantly with my posture, which in turn I'm hoping will also improve the paresthesia problem. Additionally, I have been experiencing worrying warning signs of some type of RSI (repetitive stress injury), such as carpal tunnel, in my right wrist, which means I need to take a break. To make matters even worse, I owe at least around $1,400 to the hospital, as I am uninsured and went to the ER earlier this year for a severe panic attack that lasted several hours. I currently cannot get insurance due to the time of year and can't afford it anyways. Debt collectors have already begun to mail me letters. When I can get a picture of my most recent due balance, I will update the fundraiser with the photo. As a lower priority item to add to the fundraiser, I currently do all of my work management from a small laptop. It is a good laptop, but it really should only be for supplementary work or travel. While I use an iPad to draw, I would prefer to use my Cintiq (for large illustrations) that was gifted to me 2 years ago, but have been unable to use it at all as my laptop can't handle it. It is also difficult to use when I have a lot of references for a commission because I can only have one or two references open at a time. Working this way slows me down considerably, especially when I am also needing to communicate with clients or perform mass uploads of my artwork. While it isn’t the TOP priority, it would be a huge weight off my shoulders to have a proper desktop computer with a better processor and a much larger screen at my disposal. Essentially, I require help in taking 2 weeks to a month off from working, paying off my taxes, and paying my hospital bills. This would allow my brain and body to heal and rest, allowing me to hopefully return to work stronger and healthier as well as eliminate some serious stressors. I need time to focus on my health instead of working my body into an even more precarious state. I cannot guarantee this will fix my problems, but it would undoubtedly help considerably. After no longer than a month, I would return to work, and likely at a better pace than I have been struggling with for the past few months. Commissions will be my top priority as soon as I return, as they always have been. For the time being, my focus is getting enough money to cover my monthly expenses for a short rest from working (around $1k), and the rest for taxes and hospital bills. If fully funded, I could also upgrade my work computer but again that is my lowest priority. If you donate, just know that I am beyond grateful for it. You are helping me continue to make a living and are contributing to me improving my health and quality of life. Even just $5 can go a long way. Thank you so much.