A year ago, my world changed suddenly when my fiancé Kartik passed away in an accident. Since then, family and friends have generously housed me, giving me space to grieve and begin to heal. Now, as I take steps toward independence, I’m facing the reality of needing a place of my own in the very near future. Despite working full-time, the cost of rent for a one-bedroom pet friendly apartment in my area is half my paycheck, making it difficult to move forward on my own. 

During this time, I’ve also accumulated debt from out-of-pocket therapy sessions that have been essential for my mental health, as well as ongoing veterinary bills for cancer treatment for one of our kitties. These expenses have added up, and while I’m doing my best to manage, it’s become clear that I can’t do this alone.

I’m inviting financial support to help pay down debt from this grief survival year and to cover upcoming therapy and veterinary bills, as well as financial support toward getting into an apartment with just me and the cats, which is currently just out of reach. In the short/immediate term, I’m also looking for leads on more affordable cat-friendly housing even in a shared place.

It is a vulnerable thing to be seen in this way, but I am practicing being honest about where I am and remaining open to receiving care. Part of me has been trying to earn an A in grief and strength, but I’m realizing there’s no gold medal for suffering silently. I believe that speaking these needs out loud is how they begin to be met.

I know Kartik still wants me well cared for, and that the love we shared is not lost even if it has changed form. Thank you for being another channel through which that love can still find its way to me!

I wrote this about Kartik and our life together, I’d love for you to get to know him if you didn’t get the chance! http://bit.ly/4c8AqD0 

Update on Housing Search:

I’m exploring a few leads in northern Colorado, and still open to any affordable 1-bedroom apartments you may know of!

Thank you for sharing this fundraiser widely with your communities as well!