Hello everyone, my name is Zutita, and I am from Portugal.

I am stepping into my second year studying Medicine in Lisbon, but I am currently facing a crossroads that I never imagined I would have to navigate. Healing and caring for others has been my lifelong dream, and dedicating my life to medicine is everything I have worked for. However, the past few months have been an overwhelming test of endurance.

Earlier this year, I lost my beloved 8-year-old dog, Luna. She was my absolute best companion and a source of constant comfort. We discovered she had cancer in January, and after months of chemotherapy that sadly didn't work, followed by expensive oncology supplements, I had to say goodbye to her in June. Saying goodbye to Luna broke my heart, and dealing with that profound grief while drowning in financial stress has been brutal.

Between managing my rent, handling mandatory medical exams, trying to finally finish my driver’s license, and covering Luna’s medical expenses, my budget is completely maxed out.

Now, I am facing a strict deadline: I need to raise at least 850€ by the end of August to cover my upcoming university tuition.

To make matters harder, my university does not offer scholarships to second-year students who did not apply during their first year. Because I was managing fine back then, I didn't apply, but the unexpected costs of Luna's illness changed everything.

If I cannot pay my tuition on time, my only option is to suspend my enrollment. That is honestly the last thing I want to do after working so hard to get here.

I am not looking for a free ride: I am currently working a summer part-time job to pull together whatever I can, and, as soon as the semester starts, I plan to offer academic support and private tutoring to cover my ongoing expenses.

I hate asking for help, but right now, I need a bridge to help me find my footing again after a devastating few months.

Any contribution (literally anything!) helps and brings me closer to keeping my place in medical school.

If you are unable to donate financially, sharing this campaign with your friends, family, and social networks would mean the world to me and is an incredible way to support.

Thank you so much for reading my story, for your kindness, and for helping me keep my dream alive.

With all my gratitude,

Zutita