Hello, my name is Kabiru, a dear friend of Liza Matthews. I have created this fundraiser to support her during a challenging time. Below, Liza shares her story in her own words—so you can hear directly from her about why this support means so much:

"The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places." — Ernest Hemingway

My name is Liza, and soon to be 60 years old, I have spent my life fighting—fighting to hear well, to learn, to maneuver without pain, to be believed by doctors, and now, to attain the basic necessities for life. My body has been my greatest adversary, but my spirit refuses to surrender. Yet today, I am humbly asking for your help because the weight of my struggles has become too heavy to bear alone.

I was born with a significant hearing impairment unknown to myself and others around me. Unawares to me, I adapted to reading lips as a means of communication. For the first 17 years of my life, I never heard birds singing, rain falling, and my own footsteps. Teachers labelled me “lazy” and “slow”. My high school guidance counselor told me I wasn’t smart enough for college or university and should work in the fast food industry. But I refused to accept this advice. When I finally received my first hearing aids at 17 years of age, it was like stepping into a new world—one where, for the first time, I could finally hear all sorts of sounds that others took for granted. My world was now loud and overwhelming. I pushed forward, earning an honours degree in Social Work and even being listed in Who’s Who Among International Students in American Colleges and Universities—twice. For 31 years, I dedicated myself to helping others in the social service field, proving that determination could overcome disability and challenges.

My hearing aids did not resolve all my hearing issues. My hearing continued to deteriorate to the point where even my $10,000 hearing aids are no longer effective. In 2023, I was referred to see if I qualified for a cochlear implant because my current hearing aids’ ineffectiveness. Hearing aids amplify sounds so they may be detected by damaged ears, but cochlear implants bypass damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. With my current hearing aids, I struggle to understand conversations, constantly asking, "What did they say?" or responding incorrectly in a discussion. Background noise drowns out speech, leaving me anxious. I used to be outgoing; now, I avoid many social situations because the frustration and even embarrassment are too much to bear. But I always try to present myself as pleasant and that all is well. Though in reality, that is not the case internally.

In 2010, a fall at work left me with chronic back pain, arthritis, and limited mobility. I have recently been diagnosed with scoliosis in my lower back. I now rely on a walker, and a cane. Standing for more than 15 minutes is excruciating. Sitting too long leaves me struggling to rise. I rely on friends for transportation, but their help is inconsistent, forcing me to reschedule critical medical appointments. In spite of my limitations, I have been doing daily walks to keep from losing my ability to walk.

For almost 20 years I have had unexplained abdominal pains that were constantly being dismissed by doctors (some even implied I was drug-seeking). In January 2024, my life took its most devastating turn. I experienced another episode of intense abdominal pains along with vomiting. I had no means of transportation, but was finally able to get to the hospital ER. After six long agonizing hours of waiting, I finally got an emergency CT scan that revealed a life-threatening blockage in my colon. The surgeon told me bluntly: "Without immediate surgery, you will die."

The operation lasted six hours instead of the two hours they initially thought it would take. Two sections of my colon were removed (colon resection). Initially, I was informed that no cancer was found—but a week later, the pathology report delivered a crushing blow: Stage 3 Neuroendocrine Cancer. The good news is that I am on the road to full recovery, but the journey is an ongoing process.

Since my surgery, I’ve faced relentless complications:

• Severe anemia from internal bleeding, leaving me constantly exhausted.

• Memory loss and cognitive struggles, making it hard to recall conversations or process information.

• Sleep apnea, insomnia and chronic pain, robbing me of rest.

• My Dyslexia has gotten more severe and impacts my daily life along with my ability to learn and work.

I was once an employed, independent, and confident woman. Now I find myself unemployed, relying on the kindness of friends for groceries, transportation, and emotional support. My housing is unstable. My savings are gone.

I have spent my life overcoming obstacles and presenting an “all is well” view to others, but this time, I cannot do it alone. Your support could mean:

• A Specialized diet to counter cancer cell growth and to strengthen my body.

• Transportation assistance to medical appointments.

• Stable housing so I can focus on healing instead of survival.

Most of all, your kindness would remind me that I am not forgotten—that even in my darkest moments, there is still hope.

I have always believed in resilience. I have fought for every victory in my life. But now, I am asking you to stand with me. Whether through a donation, a prayer, or simply sharing my story, you can help me reclaim a piece of the life I’ve worked so hard to build.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for listening. Thank you for caring. And thank you for being the light in what has been the hardest chapter of my life.

With gratitude,

Liza

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ." — Galatians 6:2

This fundraiser is for Liza and her bank account is the beneficiary of the donations.