My name is Emily Lee. I've just celebrated 1 year of continuous sobriety, by the grace of God, and I want to celebrate by going to the 62nd International Women's Convention in Des Moines, IA, Feb 12-15, 2026.

This is an annual convention for women in AA from all over the world to gather together for 3 days to fellowship and share their experience, strength, and hope with one another. It is an amazing experience to be a part of! It is held in a different city every year, and the fact that it is being hosted this year by my hometown, first, is an honor and a privilege for my city, and second, just makes it seem like an opportunity I can't miss! I certainly don't want to miss it! I have attended one such event when it was held in Indianapolis, IN, and it was incredible, inspiring, and life-changing for me.

Des Moines has been my home since 2004, and this is an amazing opportunity to go home and fellowship with a community of women who have become my friends as well as family over the years, and meet new friends.

I am currently living in Milwaukee, WI. I have been here since September 2023 when I came to be with my 95-year-old father who was dying. I wasn't sober during this time. After he died, I decided to stay here in Milwaukee and get myself together before I came home. I have since gotten sober and have recently celebrated my 1-year sobriety anniversary, absolutely by the grace of God.

Currently, I am in training to become a Certified Peer Support Specialist. I believe that in this role I will be well-suited to turn my pain into power, and I want to support as many individuals as I can in identifying and realizing the goals they have set for themselves once I complete my training and become employed in this field.

In the meantime, I am unemployed and living off $900 a month which I'm drawing from my social security early retirement. My rent is $600, and with my other little bills that leaves very little for anything extra. I'm grateful to at least be able to support myself.

So that is why I am here. To ask my family and friends, and anyone whose heart my story touches to support my trip to Des Moines, and my attendance at this convention. I've already secured my registration spot and the Saturday night banquet. Now I just need to pay for them. I'll need a round trip ticket, and lodging also. Any money I receive over what my expenses for this will be, will be donated to the 7th tradition.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, and I hope to see you all in Des Moines in February! Blessings! ♥️