With great humility, I am reaching out to my beloved community of friends, neighbors and loved ones for some much needed help.
My name is Shelley Stork. I am a 59-year-old San Luis Obispo native who until recently, has never been in a situation where I was unable to financially meet my own needs. Yet I find myself now feeling very ashamed and scared following the aftermath of having suffered a life-threatening medical crisis – septic arthritis. With no present income and the inability to work at this time, I am completely overwhelmed by insurmountable medical bills and upcoming costs of which I have no idea how to pay.
Background
I suffered chronic pain of an unknown origin since my twenties and was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis four years ago. In March 2024, I developed septic arthritis in both knees. Following surgery to clean out the infections in my knees, I underwent a lengthy course of IV antibiotics in hopes of wiping out the infection.
I spent 9 months battling subsequent life-threatening infections, multiple lengthy admissions to the hospital and skilled nursing facilities. Unfortunately, the multiple infections decimated my knee and ankle joints, bilaterally, and I have been bedridden or wheelchair bound since becoming ill and am unable to walk.
Due to sepsis, I was forced to leave a job I loved of 10 years with a local law firm and, because I require assistance with day-to-day living, I was forced to move in with my parents where I continue to reside.
Current Circumstances
While I currently have private health insurance coverage through Cobra, I exhausted my State Disability benefits in March 2025. I completed the Social Security Disability application process in May, but received notification that it could be another 9 months before a decision is rendered on whether or not I will be awarded disability benefits. Until that time, I receive no income.
Because of my lack of mobility, I require medical transport to/from appointments and this expense is not covered by private health insurance. Each trip to the doctor (locally) is approximately $150 – 350, round trip, and to USC Keck Hospital it is $2,000 round trip. To date I have spent approximately $20,000 in out-of-pocket transportation costs.
My first of 3 upcoming surgeries at USC was scheduled for last month but had to be rescheduled due a complication I experienced from a new medication to treat my psoriatic arthritis. Currently I am scheduled for surgery on my right ankle on June 27th but I don’t even know how I am going to afford the $2,000 in transportation costs, not to mention additional transport costs for follow-up appointments at USC every couple of weeks following my ankle surgery, not to mention my upcoming health insurance premium payment which will be due at the beginning of July.
Summary
For those of you that know me, you know I am extremely private and find it painful to ask for help. I am far more adept at caring for others rather than asking for or receiving a helping hand.
Prior to getting sepsis, I had been providing weekly part-time assistance to my aging parents – my father is also a sepsis survivor and has had complications requiring ongoing medical care. Due to recent decline in his health, it is imperative now more than ever, that I make a full recovery as my continued assistance with ny parents’ caregiving will be imperative in the coming years.
I greatly value my independence and my long-term goal/desire is to make a full recovery and return to work full-time. I am trying my best to remain optimistic and have been working diligently to improve my strength, both physically and mentally, so that I am in the best position to receive upcoming joint replacement repair.
Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and consideration. Your support during this critical time could be the key to my regaining a restored health and future.
With gratitude, hope and love. . .
