I'm struggling financially

Hi everyone, it’s Chocolona/Ilo. I’m an artist/designer suffering from severe chronic back pain.

TL/DR: I'm in huge trouble financially and I need help.

I hate writing this, I feel ashamed because to me it feels like my business is a big, fat failure and in my head, that makes me the same thing. I’m not doing well at all financially and because of that, I’m not doing well physically and emotionally. My chronic pain is at an all time high and my mental health went down the drain months ago.

I’m asking for your help to allow me to recover even a little bit financially. I really want to give back to everyone who donates, but I don’t think I currently can. I have to limit myself, so I will be sending a commission to everyone who donates €50 or more. The requested commission can be anything from a drawing to a logo design to a business card design, etc. Whatever you may want or need at the moment.

Here is a bit more of my story for those who would like context:

I suffer from fibromyalgia. What this means for me is that I'm in pain 24/7. The pain is in my back, neck and shoulders. Fibro also impacts my energy levels, sleep quality, concentration and memory. It's a complicated illness to live with, because even some doctors refuse to believe it exists. Things that help me is exercise, eating well and getting physical therapy, but especially the latter is impossible in my current financial situation.

As some of you may know, I moved to France 2 years ago. What I didn’t prepare for however, was waiting more than a year and a half for a social security number. I have to pay for every single medical thing out of pocket. I can no longer afford any physical therapy sessions, I can’t see my rheumatologist, I can’t afford therapy and the list goes on. I’m still fighting to get it, I’m contacting the CPAM (the organisation that handles the paperwork) weekly to try and make any progress whatsoever, but it’s not budging (yet).

I really don’t like asking for help, but I tried for months and months to find a part-time, remote freelance position as a graphic designer without any luck. I'm not selling much when it comes to my merch and with over €2000 of pins to pay off within the next month or two and a little more than €600 in my bank account, I have no choice. I’m sorry everyone, thank you for taking the time to read my story. I love you all.

Ilo

www.chocolona.com