Question
Hi Jon! I had brain surgery in Sept 2010 to remove what was biopsied as a grade 3 tumor and unforseen complications resulted in brain injury and 'stroke-like symptoms' leaving me with limited use and weakness on my left side, along with focus and concentration issues and significant emotional control issues. I was essentially on a medical leave of absence during rehab, etc., but the company had to eliminate my position in April, since my duties had been distributed and absorbed by other staff members, so we relocated  from Nebraska to the Chicagoland area where there were more job opportunities for my fiance.

Now here I am, 10 months after the fact, trying to navigate a new city, a new state, a new life scenerio, with no income, no health insurance and no idea what programs or services are available, or what I even qualify for.

I have been fortunate that I was able to get into Merck's ACT Program so that I can continue to receive my chemo drugs for my brain cancer and that my neuro-oncologist in Neb continues to prescribe for me and moniter my blood counts, but I'm hoping you might be able to point me in a direction. Preferably somewhere I can talk to someone with a heartbeat. Typing is a chore for me (this has taken me an hour to compose and type) so emailing is not as easy or convenient as it sounds. Any assistance will be appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Dona,

You should contact your local vocational rehabilitation agency. VRS provides services needed to eligible individuals with disabilities to prepare for, enter, engage in and retain employment consistent with each individual's strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, and capabilities.

You can begin by visiting this site: http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29737

They also have a tool for locating an office near you.

Good luck, and let me know if you have any more questions.

Jon