This past June, I was diagnosed with stage 4 adenocarcinoma—a cancer that started in my esophagus and has now spread to my GI tract, lungs, and heart. I also have a tumor wrapped around my heart that will require surgery to remove. Every other week, I travel to Cleveland for chemotherapy, and while I’m making progress, I still have a long road ahead with more treatments and surgery needed.

Right now, I’m waiting to be eligible for SSI, so I have no income or disability support. The medical bills have piled up, and I’m starting to fall behind on my rent, utilities, and insurance. I was almost evicted this month, and I truly have nothing to my name. My immediate need is to pay my December rent and bills, and after that, I hope to set up payment plans for my medical expenses and keep up with living costs as far into the future as possible.

I’m only 40 years old, and up until a few days before my diagnosis, I thought I was perfectly healthy. This has completely turned my life upside down. I feel vulnerable and, honestly, a little pathetic that I can’t even take care of myself right now. It’s just not fair, and I feel like I’m too young for this. If you could find it in your heart to help me through this terrible time, I would be ever so grateful. I need help taking my life back, because I’m going to beat this cancer eventually—but your donations could help me have an actual life to fight for, instead of just fighting to survive and then having to start all over with nothing.