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JMCKUSICK

(2,402 posts)
Fri May 9, 2025, 08:02 PM May 9

I'm sorry but I have to restart my GoFundMe page

May 9, 2025 Update and GoFundMe fundraising restart.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-john-mckusick-overcome-health-and-financial-struggles

I have several updates to share with you starting with the obvious need to request your help as my disability case is in the appeal stage after the initial claim denial March 18th. My Attorney filed my appeal on March 19th so we're in the hurry up and wait mode again with one clear exception.
I completed a Functional Ability Assessment with a Dr. in Phys. Therapy earlier today and it clearly demonstrates my severe limitations accomplishing most tasks. (The FAA was originally scheduled for December but my heart problems forced the cancellation.) I am willing to share the contents of my FAA if you request it. It limits me to maximum 3 hours of sedentary work per day, with no lifting, reaching, and very limited standing and walking. Once that gets in front of the appeal judge, it should be a simple decision.
The Appeal process from here, according to my Attorney should be as follows. I'm currently in the reconsideration phase where barring a miracle, they will deny again. (The SS website and my denial letter state that that process takes 15-30 days.) I'm hoping to hear from them any day now as it's been almost 50 days. Then we appeal to an Administrative Law Judge and that's where my lawyer says we should win. He said that we should have our appeal heard by the end of the year.
On the good news front, I have been released from my heart surgeons care, having no further issues with fluid on my lungs, my medications all seem to be working with no bad side effects. So as long as I continue to monitor my diet and activity, I have a very positive outlook. I should also be starting Cardiac Rehab in July or August, as soon as they get that program up and running here in Vandalia.
I really want to express how humbled I continue to be from your prior generosity. That I must ask again due to these circumstances forces me back on the same roller coaster of emotions ranging from shame to hope.
I still struggle with my self esteem as far as believing that I am worth your kindness and generosity. I know things are difficult for so many of you now so please know that won't take a single dollar you give lightly or for granted. I raised the goal by $7200 to $13,000 from the $5800 balance that was raised through February as that takes my $1200 a month cost of living and would cover my expenses into November.
There are so many days that remind me of the miracles that you all have blessed me with that when my situation seems so dire, filled with the anxiety of waiting for unknown periods of time, it has been your words, kindness, love, support and generosity that have kept my head above water.
Please accept my undying gratitude for taking the time to read and hopefully donate to help me get through this tunnel (hopefully the last part) of life.
Love,
John Mckusick

18 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
I'm sorry but I have to restart my GoFundMe page (Original Post) JMCKUSICK May 9 OP
Best of luck , John. debm55 May 9 #1
Thank you so much Debbie JMCKUSICK May 9 #2
kick JMCKUSICK May 10 #3
Apollo, Ajax and Minnie just donated!! wordstroken May 10 #4
Let me see if i remember.... JMCKUSICK May 10 #5
100% correct! wordstroken May 10 #6
We're rooting for you Wild blueberry May 10 #7
Thank you Wild blueberry (sounds yummy lol) JMCKUSICK May 10 #8
Kick JMCKUSICK May 10 #9
Kick and Rec Mike 03 May 10 #10
Thank you so very much Mike. JMCKUSICK May 10 #11
Kick debm55 May 10 #12
Kick JMCKUSICK May 11 #13
Kick JMCKUSICK May 11 #14
kick debm55 May 11 #15
Kick JMCKUSICK May 12 #16
kick JMCKUSICK May 12 #17
Kick with Gratitude JMCKUSICK May 13 #18

JMCKUSICK

(2,402 posts)
2. Thank you so much Debbie
Fri May 9, 2025, 10:06 PM
May 9

I feel validated through the Functional Ability Assessment. Like it should take a piece of paper from a Dr....
If they see it in writing, it makes it real.

JMCKUSICK

(2,402 posts)
5. Let me see if i remember....
Sat May 10, 2025, 10:19 AM
May 10

Woof woof,, woof woof WOOF WOOF and Mrrrrreow.

I think that says thank you in Doggie and Kitty speak.
In case I screwed up,, thank you thank you thank you Apollo, Ajax and Minnie, and of course your mom for saying ok.

Wild blueberry

(7,660 posts)
7. We're rooting for you
Sat May 10, 2025, 10:49 AM
May 10

May the Force be with you during this whole process, and may you prevail. Please keep us posted.
Cheers!

JMCKUSICK

(2,402 posts)
11. Thank you so very much Mike.
Sat May 10, 2025, 05:55 PM
May 10

The love and support the DU community has and continues to show just humbles me to my core. Please know that I treasure each word and dollar with the knowledge that both come from the very best places in each donor and those acts cannot be taken for granted.

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