Reaching out

Hi there!

I can't believe it is 2017! I have been shooting for 2017 for a long time. Medical students are experts at delayed gratification! But the final months of this part of my journey to become a doctor are upon us! I've completed all the licensing exams required of a medical student, I only have 3 clerkships (12 weeks) left in this academic year!!! Medical school has been hard, and the circumstances of my life have made it even more difficult. I'm very proud of myself, grateful to everyone who has helped me get this far and humbled by those who are willing to continue to help me complete this journey.

March 17, 2017 is Match Day. Across the country, at the same time, 4th year medical students all open envelopes that tell us where we will spend the next several years (in my case, 4) of our lives for our training. Residency starts on July 1, 2017.

Residency comes with a paycheck, albeit a modest one. But that paycheck will enable me to take control of my life in a way I have been unable to do for the last 6 years as a full-time student and parent. The last several years have been fraught with challenges for my partner and it has made our family income unstable. We have managed by liquidating savings and investments, minimizing our expenses, utilizing safety net programs like medicaid and food stamps and relying on the generosity of our families to provide things like a regular allowance for our children and occasional help with bills and holidays.

We’re now at a point where we have no more savings left yet 6 months remain between today and my first paycheck as an MD. I find myself in need of help.

I am hoping to find a number of friends (and friends of friends) who would be willing to make either a one-time or monthly gift to help cover expenses for my family for the next 6 months.

For the next 6 months, I’ve calculated that my financial shortfall is about $10,000. This amount would allow me to reliably pay my monthly bills, buy gas and pay for grocery extras beyond what is covered by food stamps (things like dishwasher soap and toilet paper are not covered!) Any more than that collected will go to supporting my children - haircuts, new clothes, sports and activities, etc.

For planning purposes, I’m going to collect gift and loan information on this form. If you can help at all, please click on the link and fill out the form.

Ways to help:

• Give once
• If you are able to make a contribution of any size, thank you!
• Any contribution would be greatly appreciated
• Give monthly for 6 months (January to June)
• You could commit to a monthly PayPal contribution of at least $20/month
• I’ll send out a monthly thank you/reminder around the 15th of the month. 

People who can give $100 or more once or commit to $20/month for 6 months:

• Will have the option to be added to a secret Facebook group
• I will also make myself available to them via text, FB and phone to answer general health questions.
• I can't diagnose, treat or prescribe, but if you are wondering if you should take yourself (or your loved one) to the ER, whether something is a PCP or specialist issue; if you’d like to discuss how to work with your doctor in an upcoming appointment, understand lab results or why tests are recommended or if you want support and guidance in quitting smoking or making another healthy behavior change, I will be as available as I can!
• I’m willing to offer this service as soon as donations start coming and until ONE YEAR after my graduation from medical school (JUNE 2018).

If you have any questions about my finances, my situation or the arrangements of this request, please don't hesitate to leave a comment here or to contact me at larissa atnorthstarbirthdotcom. I am happy to share more details. I have no interest in having my life be shrouded in shame or mystery. I'm broke, I need help. I'm still a good and responsible person. I refuse to be embarrassed by my circumstances.

Thank you!