Hi my name is Erika, known as Eryka Styles to my clients and associates. That's me in the picture when I had brighter days ahead of me.  This is a lengthy read but I want to be as transparent as I possibly can.  It is very hard for me to tell my story and as to why I'm here.  I am a Licensed Cosmetologist here in Arizona and I love my job....On May 30th 2020, I started developing symptoms of the Corona virus and just started back to work on May 8th reluctantly when Governor Ducey allowed salons to open back up...I was unemployed starting back in March when the pandemic initially hit. I have asthma and I didn't want to take any chances with my health. So i used my financial cushion to support my bills for the following 2 months until that ran out and I needed to get back to work ASAP. I was ready and I made sure that I took all the necessary precautions to protect myself and my clients after every service. I still got exposed and my symptoms got worse where I was rushed to the er on June 8th and got tested and the results came back that I was positive and had Covid 19 pneumonia. I was immediately admitted and spent 10 days in the hospital on a series of strong antibiotics and plasma treatments. After being discharged on June 18th, I was readmitted 2 days later with a pulmonary embolism in my lung from the virus and put on blood thinners to reduce the clot in my lung. I was discharged 3 days later to my home to quarantine and have been back and forth to the ER 4 times in June. My last visit to the ER was when they told me I still have pneumonia and Covid 19. I am struggling physically, emotionally and mentally due to this life- threatening virus and I now suffer from anxiety and panic attacks for fear that I can't breathe and will die in my sleep from lack of oxygen. That is no way to live but this has become my new normal. I have no support out here in Arizona, I have no family support as my mom unexpectedly passed away last year on May 29th 2019. I have had my share of heartache and pain dealing with my mom's death and grieving all the while and then this turned my world completely upside down again. I don't know how much more I can take. I still have ongoing symptoms pain in my lungs due to the pneumonia and damage that my lungs endured that will take months and maybe years to heal. I have an increased heart rate/ pulse that reached to alarming heights of 148 while sitting. It goes up and down like a geiger counter. I now  believe that my heart has been affected by this virus and I have to seek a Cardiologist to find out why this is occurring as this  can cause a stroke or heart attack. I realize that i have had 2 life or death occurrences all in one month and back to back.  This virus took away my life overnight and has punished me for doing what I love to do and what brings me joy which is my love for doing hair. I have not been able to pay my bills for the last month which includes my rent, car note, utilities and food. I have never been dependent on anyone to take care of me and this is one of the most difficult times in my life other than my mom's death.  Asking for help is not my strong suit because of fear of judgement or pity but I have no other way to get the message out that I need support. BIG TIME. I am isolated in my home 24/7 and I can't really reach out to anyone physically because of the virus and no one really wants to be bothered daily by the updates, that gets old fast unless you have a really good support system which i don't. Imagine how detrimental that can be for someone who is so used to interacting with people on a daily basis, for their livelihood like a hairstylist.  I worry that i will be homeless and sick with nowhere to go or no one to turn to. I am by myself, no children and trying to make my ends meet. Please if you can find it in your hearts and wallets to give only if you can afford to and not out of pity, no matter what the amount, please do. I pray that my story is a testimony as to what can happen to anyone who thinks that this virus is a joke. It's not and I can guarantee you that you never want to live through it and have lingering, residual effects that may last you the rest of your life if you're lucky to make it that far.  I don't know if I'll ever be able to work again. It is a constant fear and worry that I will never feel like I once felt, Healthy. My immune system is extremely weak and fragile and only time will tell if I will ever get my strength back. I am so out of breath doing the most simplest things like taking a shower or cooking on the stove.  Please Stay Safe and Mask up. You never know how important your health is till it's gone. Thank you in advance for your time and compassion. Please show your support and I appreciate all who have shown me show much empathy and been a ear to listen.  We all are suffering in some manner with the events in the world today and I am not special nor removed from suffering but if my story can shed light on how dangerous this virus can be, then I was used for a  purpose and not just in vain. I'm advocating for myself.  Thank you.