My name is Erin McGill.

For most of my life, I was someone people turned to for help. I earned a master’s degree in social work and dedicated myself to helping others overcome addiction. But somewhere along the way, I got lost in my own battle with it. Addiction took over my life, and I spiraled further than I ever thought possible.

The wake-up call came when I nearly lost everything—including my life. What started as an infection, caused by my drug use, quickly spread. By the time I got help, it was too late to save my right arm. They amputated it to keep the infection from killing me.

Waking up after that surgery, missing a piece of myself, was like facing a new reality. I had always been the one helping others, but now, I was the one who needed help. It was a brutal realization, but it was also a turning point.

I moved back after years away into my parents' home to focus on my recovery, and I’ve stayed clean for over 120 days now. Every day is a struggle, but I’m committed to staying on this path. I know my life depends on it.

But there’s another part of my recovery that’s just as important as staying sober. It’s getting back to the work I love—helping people who are fighting the same battle I’ve been through. I know what it feels like to be in the depths of addiction, to feel hopeless and lost, and I also know there’s a way out. I want to be that guiding light for others again, but I need a prosthetic arm to make that possible.

Without it, I can’t fully return to work or regain my independence. My passion is helping others, and I believe that’s how I’ll continue to heal and move forward. But I can’t do this alone.

I’m asking for your help. A donation toward my prosthetic device would give me the chance to not only reclaim my life but to make a real difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction. Recovery is possible. I’ve seen it, and I’ve lived it. I just need the tools to continue my journey and help others find theirs.

Thank you for believing in second chances. With your help, I know I can get back on track and be the person I’m meant to be—someone who helps others find hope.