Six years ago, my life changed forever when I contracted Covid while working. The illness left me with blood clots in my lungs and legs, and I spent a week in the hospital fighting to recover. I had to take three months off work, and the experience left me with ongoing health challenges and worries about my future. I was terrified to get the vaccine because of what I’d heard about blood clots, and I struggled with that decision for a long time. Now, the complications from those blood clots mean I need open-heart surgery to repair my pulmonary artery and valve.

The thought of facing this surgery is overwhelming. I’ll be out of work for three to four months, only receiving half a paycheck every two weeks, and I’m not sure how I’ll manage. The financial strain is heavy, and I’m worried about keeping up with my car payments, my house, and my bills. I also care for my elderly father and my 17-year-old Yorkie, who means the world to me. My Yorkie is a special connection to my mom, who passed away several years ago in the same hospital where I’ll be having this surgery.

I’m not one to normally ask for help, but any support would mean the world to me during this difficult time. I promise to pay it forward, and my goal after recovery is to go back to school to become a nurse so I can help others who are just as scared as I am now. Thank you for reading my story and for any kindness you can share.

my profile photo is of my dog because I’m a private person and I really don’t want my Photo out there for the world to see.