Will is a resilient 37-year-old man who embarked on his career in IT in 2016, filled with aspirations for the future. However, his journey took an unexpected turn when he contracted COVID-19 in July 2021, leading to his admission to an ICU in Grand Forks. Despite his strong start in the IT field and significant savings for a home down payment, Will faced setbacks due to the unforeseen circumstances of his illness.
As a full-time contractor at the time of his hospitalization, Will's position lacked protection against extended absences, resulting in his job being filled by another contractor by the time he was discharged in October 2021. Complicating matters further, Will experienced cognitive challenges, including short-term memory loss and difficulty with sustained attention and executive functioning, making it impossible for him to resume his previous career.
This wasn't Will's first encounter with life-altering health challenges; in 2018, he was involved in a severe auto accident that necessitated a lengthy physical recovery process. Despite facing three denials for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Will's resilient spirit and determination saw him through, aided by a significant settlement from the accident that established a trust to support him financially. Currently, Will relies on a fraction of his pre-COVID income, derived solely from the settlement, with the expectation of living on 40 percent of his pre-COVID income once his SSDI is approved. This financial strain poses numerous challenges, including the delay of his lifetime goals and concerns about providing for his 2 ½-year-old daughter's future, particularly her education.
Despite the adversity he faces, Will remains steadfast in his pursuit of a fulfilling life. He purchased a home in 2023 and continues to explore potential treatments to enhance his cognitive abilities and re-enter the workforce. Grateful for his comprehensive insurance coverage that spared him from medical debt, Will is determined to not only make ends meet but to thrive in the face of adversity, embodying his "never say die" attitude with unwavering resilience.
