Rebuilding my life after loss and depression, raising funds to stay in therapy, cover rent, and stay afloat while I find new work and keep caring for my little parrot, R2D2.

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Hello, and thank you for being here.

I’m Lizzy, and this is my little parrot, R2D2.

Together, we’re rebuilding a life piece by piece after years of loss, depression, and financial strain. I’m reaching out with humility and hope, two things I’ve clung to while trying to find my footing again.

What Happened

A few years ago, my world quietly fell apart. I lost my two rescue parrots, companions of over 20 years, and the grief cracked something open inside me. I fell into deep depression, and panic attacks became part of daily life.

At the same time, I was unknowingly living with ADHD. The exhaustion, anxiety, and confusion made everything harder. Without proper insurance, I paid out of pocket for doctors, therapy, and medication. Just trying to keep myself afloat.

Through it all, I refused to give up. I finally got a diagnosis. I found a wonderful therapist and psychiatrist who listened. I started medication that helped me feel like myself again. I began to heal.

I found a job I loved. I began creating art again. I even adopted R2D2, a baby green-cheeked conure who made me laugh, reminded me to eat, and helped me feel joy again. Things were slowly getting better.

And then, I was laid off.

Some days, the smallest wings help you keep going.

Why I’m Asking for Help ❤️‍

The layoff shook me. I’m scared of losing the progress I’ve worked so hard for.

Right now, I’m carrying over $80,000 in credit-card debt, mostly tied to medical treatment, therapy, and basic survival during those difficult years. I’m not asking to erase it. I’m asking for a lifeline, enough to help me stay steady while I find new work and continue healing.

Your support would help me:

I’m applying for jobs every day and building my small art business. It takes time, and right now, I’m doing everything I can not to fall backward into the darkness I’ve fought so hard to climb out of.

Even on the hardest days, R2 reminds me I’m not alone.

Why This Matters

If you’ve ever faced grief, mental illness, or financial stress, you know how heavy it can feel.

Your donation, even $10 or $25, helps me stay in therapy, stay in my home, and stay hopeful. A share helps this reach someone who might be able to help. A kind comment or message reminds me I’m not alone.

Every bit matters. Every share ripples farther than you realize. And every single act of kindness brings me one step closer to stability.

Therapy, medication, rent, groceries - and occasional knife heists.

From My Heart ♥️

I’m still here, still applying, still creating, still showing up for myself, my partner, and my little bird. R2D2 makes me laugh every single day, even when things feel impossible.

Creating art helps me process everything; it’s where grief turns into hope.

Thank you for reading, for sharing, for caring, and for believing that small acts of generosity can help rebuild a life.

With love and feathers,

Lizzy & R2D2