For starters, I want to say that I was very independent prior to this.

I live alone, but my parents live upstairs in our shared multi-family home. I’ve been covering both my own bills and my parents’ expenses. I have done this to avoid putting any extra stress on my father, who recently underwent heart surgery and hasn’t been able to return to work the same since.

Before being diagnosed with cancer, I was on the road to building my own companies: a private chauffeuring and luxury concierge service, as well as a construction business. I worked mainly in chauffeuring, but I also took on construction jobs depending on what came up, often brokering work for both companies.

Since beginning chemotherapy, doctors told me that I can no longer physically work in either field. While I can still broker some jobs, it’s nowhere near the income I used to make. Now, I’m in the process of finding something new to sustain myself, but in the meantime, I’m facing a growing number of expenses, especially medical bills that continue to increase each week.

The tumor I developed in my stomach grew so large that it caused internal bleeding and left me temporarily paralyzed. I needed immediate surgery. I was on the verge of dying. The doctors saved my life, but just a few days later, the pain became unbearable, and I went into shock which led to a heart attack. It truly felt like a second call to death.

I’m grateful to still be here today, but this journey has been physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming. I’ve always been someone who works hard and takes care of others, and asking for help doesn’t come easy. But right now, any support means the world whether it’s through donations, sharing my story, or simply keeping me and my family in your prayers, it will go a long way.

Thank you all.