Hi everyone, my name is Michel.

A few days ago, my life took an unexpected and terrifying turn. I had just finished a very stressful work contract in Idaho and was traveling to Highlands, North Carolina to spend some time in between jobs before my next contract begins on November 11th.

During my connecting flight, my face suddenly became paralyzed. The crew immediately alerted medical staff and the plane was forced to make an emergency landing to rule out a possible stroke. When we landed, ambulances, firefighters, and police were already waiting for me at the gate. I was rushed to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed me with Bell’s Palsy — a sudden facial paralysis often triggered by extreme stress and exhaustion.

After several hours in the emergency room, I was discharged in a city where I didn’t know anyone. I had no family or friends nearby and had to figure everything out completely alone. Being in the United States, where healthcare is extremely expensive, made everything even scarier.

Right now, I’m focusing on recovering, but I’m unable to work until November 11th, and I still don’t know how much the medical bills, ambulance, and follow-up appointments will cost. I would love to visit a doctor again soon to check my progress, but the uncertainty around expenses has been overwhelming.

This experience has taught me that sometimes, it’s okay to ask for help — and this is one of those moments. With humility, I’m asking that if you have $1, $5, or $10 to spare, your support would mean so much to me. Every donation, no matter the amount, will help me cover medical expenses and continue my recovery with peace of mind.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, sharing, or contributing. Your kindness will forever stay with me, and I truly hope to give it back one day.