Hi, my name is Hilda, and I never imagined I would have to share my story this way or ask strangers for help. But right now, I am facing one of the most difficult and frightening periods of my life.

I was born with a hole in my heart and lived with it unknowingly for more than 30 years.

Growing up in Ghana, I always knew my body was different. I watched my friends run, play, and participate in activities that I desperately wanted to be part of. But for me, even running for as little as one minute could leave me in pain. I missed out on so many activities with my peers, not because I didn’t want to participate, but because my body simply could not keep up.

When I complained about the pain, doctors in Ghana told my father it was related to stomach problems and that the pain was being referred to another part of my body. We trusted the medical explanation we were given. For years, I continued living with the pain without knowing that the real problem was my heart.

In early 2026, my life changed when I was finally diagnosed in Canada with a hole in my heart. After years of unexplained pain, I finally had an answer.

But the answer was also terrifying.

I have since been in and out of the hospital for tests, procedures, and appointments. Because my heart has worked this way for so many years, the right side of my heart has become enlarged. I now need surgery to repair the hole and protect my heart from further damage.

As my health has become more difficult, so has my ability to work. I am alone in Canada without family here to care for me or financially support me before and after surgery. I still have rent to pay, a student loan, food, and basic living expenses. The reality of facing heart surgery while worrying about how I will survive financially during recovery has been overwhelming.

I am asking for help so that I can focus on my health, surgery, and recovery without the constant fear of losing my ability to support myself.

Any funds raised will go toward my rent, food, essential bills, and basic living expenses while I am unable to work and recovering from surgery.

Every donation, no matter how small, brings me a little closer to getting through this period safely. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing my story. A share can reach someone who may be able to help.

I have spent most of my life living with a heart condition I didn’t know I had. Now that I finally have answers and a chance to receive treatment, I am asking for support to help me through it.

Thank you for reading my story, for sharing, donating, or simply keeping me in your thoughts.

With love and gratitude,

Hilda ❤️