Hi.  My name is Natalija Akovic.  I'm 51, disabled and have been living in my car with my dog since March 23, 2025, fighting for my disability benefits since January 30, 2025.

In 2015 I was diagnosed with Tarlov Cyst Disease and had experimental surgery.  An hour after surgery, the cyst returned larger and higher up on my spine.  My prognosis:  when I eventually wake up suddenly blind and or without the use of any combination of my limbs, to go to the ER to have the cyst clipped which will cause permanent damage OR eventually enough spinal fluid will drain from around my brain, my brain will tilt and I die.  

Symptoms I live with because of Tarlov Cyst Disease:  chronic back pain, chronic migraines, chronic headaches, sudden temporary loss of vision when I bend just right, constipation and diarrhea, bladder issues, numbness in arms and hands, numbness in legs and feet, sleep issues waking up constantly from pain, rigid and limited body movement, unable to sit/stand/walk for long periods, loss of balance, and unable to push/pull/lift anything over 10 lbs.  When the cyst gets pinched, which happened recently just walking, I'm immobile for anywhere from 1-4 weeks.

That's just one of my health issues.  

I'm blind in my left eye, blocked celiac artery, bellybutton hernia, social anxiety, depression, arthritis through out my body, allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome, asthma, and I'm probably forgetting some.

I'm in pain every single day.  I can no longer function like a normal human being.  But I've been denied disability benefits three times now.

I've jumped through all the "help" hoops - there's no help in Ohio.  Every organization you could possibly dream of suggesting - I've contacted and have been denied because:  I'm childless, under 55 years old and not a veteran.  But I AM a human being.  No help from local churches, the state or city level either.  Dumped by my third social worker because I refuse to surrender my dog and go to a despicable bug infested violent shelter in downtown Cleveland.  211 is utterly useless.  Salvation Army and all other organizations pass the buck to each other with this same line:  I'm sorry we can't help you but have you tried calling this number?

They say it takes a village - I'm looking to you to become part of my village - because I'm afraid I'm not going to live through the next 12-24 months before my next appeal is decided.

I lost my mom in 2018, my dad in 2020 and then our family home of 35 years in 2024 because I was no longer able to support myself.  Becoming homeless has been an eye opening experience.  All of my neighbors of 35 years that called me "friend" suddenly didn't know me anymore.  Doctors I have gone to for years - now treat me like I'm a walking contagion since becoming homeless.  And after my parents died - my dog is my only family.

I left the goal blank because I'm in constant need.  And not only is the broken system doing its best to keep me down and out - sooner seeing me dead than award benefits I paid into during my 30 plus years of working - it tries its best to make sure it wins:  I'm risking losing Medicaid and EBT by asking for help via this platform - but I'm not sure they've really been any kind of benefit at the end of the day.

I'm going to share some of my ongoing needs (which I have received less than pleasant remarks on social media about this - no I'm not assuming every else is to support me the rest of my life - but the reality is - I need help now and I DO have ongoing needs), if it helps knowing what to donate and then I'm going to share the ultimate goal/dream - because a dream and a prayer is all I have left at this point.

I thank you for reading this, for donating if you're able and for sharing my story if you will - because I really need a village for support.  Thank you.

My dog and I live in my car, it runs 24/7, to stay warm or cool and to keep my phone charged.  I go through 1/4 tank of gas a day and 4 quarts of oil burn off every 4 weeks with the car just in idle.  

I run out of EBT benefits in ten days because I'm living in my car.  I get benefits on the 6th of every month - today is March 15, I have enough for food tomorrow and then I'll be out.

Washing and drying laundry at the nearest laundromat costs $12.50 a load - I would love to wash my clothes at least once a week - I don't have a lot of clothes or room in my car - so I have to wear the same outfit (that includes socks and underwear) for at least three to four days.

My dog's food costs $22 a bag and it lasts about three weeks.  Wet food $30 for the month.

There's more but these are the bare basics I can't get help for.  Even though I have my limitations - I have tried to find work.  I even tried Fiverr but they won't let me post a gig because I don't have $250 in my account!  I was trying to sell stock photos because it's something I could possibly handle doing with all of my health issues but because I don't have money I can't make money??  And I can't deliver food:  dog in my car, sever allergies to certain foods that I can't even have them in my car, I can't lift heavy bags constantly and I no longer have car insurance!  

The goal - the big dream:  to get a roof over our heads.  The unfortunate realities:  extended stay hotel $1500 a month.  Rooms/houses for rent 99% of the time don't allow dogs.  I would love to apply for a USDA loan but I either need my benefits or $1k plus 6 months of employment.  And there's no chance for me to be able to rent an apartment.  Which would leave a used RV or van so at least I can lay on my side to get even the tiniest relief from my spine - I currently nap uncomfortably in the front seat of my car.  

Ultimately - I want to get OUT of the broken system.  I have to keep at least one foot in only for benefits because the system is destroying me.

Every $1 counts, every share counts - please help me grow my village of supporters.  I don't want to die in my car.  I'd like to get out of this alive - I help to do that.

Thank you again ❤️