My life has never really been easy. I grew up poor, so whenever I had a chance to move forward, I jumped on it. I worked, saved, and by 19, I finally moved out into a little house that was already falling apart, but I was determined to fix it up and make it mine.

Then two hurricanes hit. I spent what I had on hotel rooms and taking care of my grandfather, who needed oxygen. By the time our town was livable again, I was drained, but I kept pushing. Then, around the holidays, my car got broken into and the little I had left was stolen.

It seemed like one thing after another just kept happening. The house, bills, funeral expenses, the costs got too heavy, and eventually, I had to move back in with my mom. I would help her with bills, but it wasn’t a good place for my mental health.

And then came the hardest news yet: doctors found a mass in my breast. Between the fear, the bills, and just trying to survive day to day, it’s been overwhelming.

Every year feels like it breaks me down a little more. I’ve lost jobs, fallen behind on bills, lost my transportation, and no matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to catch a break.

I’m not the kind of person who likes asking for help, but right now, I don’t have a choice. I need help with basic living costs, transportation, and medical expenses so I can get through this and try to rebuild my life.

Anything helps! Truly. Even if you can’t donate, just sharing my story means so much to me.

Thank you for listening and for being here.

Riki