Militza Paulin is fighting every single day just to make it through the simplest moments. Her body has lost almost all of its strength — she is down to about 10% — and she can no longer hold warmth the way most people can. The cold feels as if it cuts straight through her. Militza layers herself in sweaters, blankets, anything she can find, yet she still sits shivering in her own home. Something as simple as stepping outside has become nearly impossible and, at times, frightening.

Militza is living with Muscular Dystrophy Type 2 and Miyoshi Myopathy, conditions that have drastically changed her body and her daily life. She is no longer able to eat solid food and survives solely on protein shakes. Even drinking something as simple as water causes intense burning in her stomach. Her body cannot tolerate medications or even basic foods like vegetables, turning each day into a painful and exhausting struggle. Militza feels trapped inside her apartment, watching life happen from behind a window. She misses the feeling of being part of the world. She misses feeling like a person, not just a patient. The only time she gets a glimpse of that feeling again is when her husband takes her out. When she is with him in the car, she feels human for a moment — like she still belongs out there, like life hasn’t passed her by.

They are hoping to raise enough to get a van so she can safely go outside, attend her appointments, and simply experience life beyond these four walls. It would give her back a piece of her dignity, her freedom, and her hope. One of her deepest final wishes is to experience the peace of the sea for the very first time. If you are able to help, even in the smallest way, you are not just donating — you are giving her the chance to feel alive again. Thank you, truly, for taking the time to read Militza's story and for caring enough to listen.