A few weeks ago, I went to the emergency room believing I was having a cardiac episode. After several tests, I was told everything looked normal and I was sent home. Less than 48 hours later, I was in unbearable pain, violently sick, and unable to function. Things became so severe that I had to call 911 and be taken back to the hospital by ambulance.

During a hospital stay that lasted over a week, doctors discovered a mass blocking my stomach that now requires surgery to remove. My surgery is scheduled for the 20th, and while I’m trying to stay hopeful, this entire experience has been physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming.

I’m a full-time college student while also working to support myself, and this sudden medical crisis has caused us to lose a significant amount of income. On top of the medical emergency, our landlord has informed us they are selling the house, which means we are now also facing the stress and expense of finding a new place to live during all of this.

To make things even harder, I was discharged from the hospital despite still being in severe pain and without adequate pain management. I had not even been able to use the bathroom in over a week and felt I still needed medical care. I tried to contest the discharge, but my appeal was denied.

Between missed work, upcoming surgery, medical bills, moving expenses, and trying to keep up with regular monthly obligations like our car payment, we have found ourselves in a situation we simply cannot manage alone.

I don’t ask for help often, and it’s difficult for me to even make this fundraiser, but right now we truly need support. Any donation, no matter the amount, will help us stay afloat while I recover from surgery and work toward getting back on my feet. If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser would also mean so much to us.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story, for your kindness, and for any support you can give during this incredibly difficult time.

Staten Island