My name is Natalie, and I am a 35-year-old single mom doing my best to care for my two daughters while living with a life-changing injury and going through the hardest time of my life.

In December 2024, I was physically abused and suffered a traumatic injury to my left ear that caused a ruptured eardrum and infection. In the weeks that followed, I experienced severe vertigo, hearing pain, and loss of clear vision and balance. Since then, I have been diagnosed with tinnitus (constant ringing in the ears) and hyperacusis (extreme sound sensitivity and pain). These conditions make everyday life a challenge and have prevented me from returning to stable work. Even common sounds — like clattering dishes, traffic, or my daughters’ laughter — can cause intense pain.

I have sought different doctors and tried different options to hope that my hearing and my ears would be back to normal, however, nothing has improved these conditions.

My last employment was with Datadog as a Sr. Product Designer. The combination of my layoff and this injury has made it impossible to return to my career or pursue jobs requiring verbal communication and in-person attendance.

At the same time, I am facing extreme challenging time. I no longer have the resources and freedom to move closer to a support system that could help me rebuild my life with my children while seeking treatment for my conditions and new employment. I have lost my home, my career, and the savings I had set aside for my children.

Currently, I've been living with my children without being able to pay rent. For months, I used my retirements to living expenses for the children, legal fees, and even rent.

Your support will help me have a stable home for my children. Every donation — no matter the size — makes a difference. If you cannot donate, sharing my story and helping me connect with anyone who can help out in life would mean the world as I need a job with so much understanding and accommodation for my conditions to support myself and my children financially.

Thank you for your kindness and support during this difficult chapter of our lives.

With gratitude,

Natalie