Dear friends, family, and strangers,

This past year turned my life upside down and was honestly one of the most difficult years I’ve ever faced. I’ve worked for several years as a long-term substitute teacher, and teaching has always been my passion. Unfortunately, because of my illness, I wasn’t able to work full-time during the 2024–2025 school year. I’m sharing my story here because I need your help as I recover from a medical journey that has been overwhelming, frightening, and life-changing.

In June 2024, I was diagnosed with diverticulitis after a short hospital stay. At the time, I didn’t fully understand how serious this disease was, but I managed the pain as best as I could. By early 2025, the pain returned. I treated it with a heating pad and over-the-counter painkillers. Neither my doctor nor I believed I had an infection. Looking back, I just wish I had done more to understand the disease.

I got progressively worse, and by July 3, 2025, my pain became unbearable. I went to the emergency room in severe pain. Doctors determined I needed emergency exploratory surgery immediately.

On July 4, 2025, I underwent exploratory surgery. The doctors made several shocking discoveries: I had stage 2A colon cancer, which they were able to remove; I had severe diverticulitis, with 4 liters of fluid in my stomach; and the disease had caused such extensive intestinal damage that they had to remove a significant portion of my intestines. By the grace of God, I did not need a stoma also known as a colostomy bag.

On July 6, I had a second surgery to close me up, and on July 13, I underwent another endoscopic procedure, during which a drain was placed in my abdomen. In total, I remained hospitalized from July 3 until August 1, 2025 — 29 days.

Since being discharged, I’ve tried to stay afloat on my own, but I’ve reached the point where I just can’t do it anymore. My savings are completely gone, and I’m in dire straits financially. I’ve done everything I can to stretch what little I had, but the reality is that I need help to keep a roof over my head and the lights on while I continue to heal.

Your donations will help cover rent and utilities while I recover and work toward financial stability. I am anticipating about six months of being indigent. That is why it is so important that my goal of $12,000 is met. Any donation would mean so much to me because I know that so many of us are just trying to cover the basics.

I know how much people like to be kept in the loop with stories they are following on the internet — I do too! I plan to post updates about my progress about once a week, and sooner if I have some really good news.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and for your kindness, generosity, and prayers during this difficult time.

With love and gratitude,

Truth Smith