Hey! I'm Haleigh. As many of you know, I’ve never been shy about advocating for my patients. Over the years, I’ve posted asking for help with things like shower benches, winter coats, curling irons, cats, and more. You’ve helped me help others, and your kindness has made a difference in the lives of others.

What most of you don’t know is that in August 2024, I quietly started a new chapter: I began nursing school. Working full-time and attending college full-time has been one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. But I have been successful, making the Dean’s List each semester and receiving glowing feedback from my professors on my performance.

With the good challenges come the hard ones. This last year, I’ve also quietly struggled with my health a lot. In my first semester, I developed serotonin syndrome, and in my second semester, I was diagnosed with a second neurological disorder in addition to the battle I face with Chiari malformation already.

As if things have not already been difficult enough, Adam, my boyfriend, was in a terrible work accident at the beginning of this semester, causing him to fracture his neck and making him unable to work indefinitely. Going from two incomes to one with an already full plate has made an already hard situation feel nearly impossible.

This upcoming semester is supposed to be my last, with graduation in December. However, I’ve been told I won’t be able to register for classes next semester until my current balance is paid off. My loans through the school are maxed out, and despite trying every possible option I can think of, I haven’t found a way to move forward on my own.

I desperately want to stay on track to graduate in December. After speaking to an advisor, they have stated not being able to afford tuition may not be an approved leave of absence, and I could potentially be dismissed from the program in general. I have worked so hard, and to think this is a possibility terrifies me and breaks my heart.

After receiving this news, I came home Friday after school to find my cat Dalia’s jaw was very swollen. She was evaluated, and the vet determined dental extractions are required due to the swelling being an abscessed tooth/teeth. The mass in her jaw has grown in size in the last couple of days despite receiving antibiotics. The need for extractions is becoming more and more of an urgent issue. If you’re unfamiliar with the cost of extractions, the evaluation and the beginning quote for surgery is approximately $1000. This number can rise if multiple extractions are needed.

So here I am, setting my pride aside to ask for help for myself this time.

Any money I raise will go toward the care of my cat, being able to finish paying for this semester, and help with the ever-growing medical bills I accumulate. I’m not sure how I am going to pay for next semester, but I’ve decided I’ll worry about that bridge if I am able to cross this one.

Any amount helps, and even if you’re not able to give, sharing this post would mean so much.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for all the support you’ve shown me, my patients, and all the critters I’ve fostered over the years.