Help my friend AJ afford their 2nd ACL surgery & living expenses:

My name is Britt and I am currently working to help fundraise for my friend AJ. AJ is a dear friend of mine who I have grown very close to over the past few years. AJ identifies as queer and uses they/them pronouns.

AJ has been such a support, kind spirit and loving friend in my life. We first started working together in in 2019 for a coffee shop in Athens, GA called 1000 Faces Coffee. We worked at a farmers market on Saturdays multiple times a month for extra cash. Our days would start at 5am and end at 3pm, where we would pack up a van, drive into the city to sell coffee at the local farmers market. Through all of these early mornings, long days, hours of driving, I’ve developed a close friendship with AJ.

They known me and supported me in countless ways: through a breakup, 2 moves, job changes, family deaths and hard seasons of life in my 20s. They have taught me what it means to be kind, to listen, to love myself and to advocate for others.

I wouldn’t have made it through the past 3 years without them. And all while life has been challenging for me, they have faced numerous challenges (having no insurance, personal loss, tearing their ACL, being out of work, etc.) and still showed up for me as a supportive and loving friend. They have a tenacious and beautiful spirit that they share with the world that I love so dearly and they are in need of some support now, which is why I am helping them fundraise for a much needed additional ACL surgery.

AJ has supported themselves since they were 17, working multiple jobs to create a life they love and enjoy. I have watched them grow and support other people so much throughout some difficult seasons.

Last year, on March 25th, 2022 AJ tore their ACL. AJ had to wait 3 weeks due to scheduling complications and doctors visits to be have it confirmed that they tore their ACL and would need surgery. They had to prepare to be unable to work for up to 6 months in less than 6 weeks. As a result, they realized that they would need to pay for not just their surgery and medical bills, but their bills and rent and other life expenses while not being able to bring in any income.

On April 20th, 2022 AJ was told that they would need surgery to repair their ACL and would require physical therapy for several months (which would accumulate to up to 6 months of no work total). The surgery kept them out of work for 6 months, adding to their financial challenges this year. Being uninsured and working in service primarily, this was definitely a worst-case scenario that became their reality.

Despite these challenges, AJ was still an incredible friend to me and was so optimistic, seeing so much progress throughout physical therapy late in the spring. Unfortunately, they had only raised enough money for a few months and had to return to work early in July 2022 (part-time), and then returned to work full-time in the fall of 2022.

Late this year, while at their six month post-op appointment, AJ’s surgeon discovered that they would need an additional ACL surgery on their other knee. Though they are not in any pain now, a surgery for their other knee would help prevent the need for a total knee replacement way sooner in life than one should.

Their additional ACL surgery date is set for: January 26, 2023*

(From 1/26/23, AJ will NEED to remain OUT OF WORK for 4-6 months)*

They are reaching out for help to cover their expenses and pay their medical debt, so they can focus on their recovery without the added stress of financial hardship. They are also in need of practical support for their physical, environmental and mental wellbeing.

We have been lucky enough to receive additional funding from a non-profit called the Giving Kitchen. GK will be supporting with financial donations to help cover basic living expenses for AJ, including partial payments for rent, utilities, insurance, etc.

Even with this support, AJ is STILL IN NEED of financial assistance with the following expenses:

(Note: this is a BARE-MINIMUM breakdown of expenses and abiding by being out of work for the minimum of 4 months*)

AJ’s Living Expenses for 4 Months: Total = $7,624

Car: $2,640
Car Insurance: $716
Phone: $488
Wifi: $420
Groceries: $1,200
Therapy: $760
Physical therapy: $1,400

AJ’s Minimum Monthly Living Expenses: Total = $1,906

(aka the minimum amount we need fundraised for EACH month from January-May*)

AJ’s Additional Variable Expenses for 4 Months: Total = $6,755

Doctor Visits + medications: $555
Medical Debt: $4,700 (from 1st surgery that is still growing*)
Current Credit Card Debt: $1,500

Total Support Needed = $14,379

WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT:

If you are able to contribute to this fundraiser, your generosity will make a huge difference in helping AJ afford the surgery, therapy and practical things they need over the next 6 months.
If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser is another practical way you can show your support. Post their link on social media, reshare their posts that promote their fundraising link, and ask others around you if they can donate!

Thank you for your kindness and consideration of donating! Anything and everything help them :)

If we fundraise over what is needed:

Any excess funds outside of AJ’s needs will 50% utilized to build a new emergency fund and personal savings account for them. The remaining 50% will be donated to various Athens, GA and GA state grass roots organizations to support other individuals in need.

Help my friend AJ afford their 2nd ACL surgery & living expenses:

By AJ Dean

Help my friend AJ afford their 2nd ACL surgery & living expenses:

AJ is need of financial assistance for 2nd ACL surgery

Team Members