Hi, my name is Natasha, and I’m sharing this from a place I never expected to be.

On Friday, January 30, around 9:00 a.m., I was struck with sudden and severe abdominal pain. It came in waves—each one more intense than the last. By midday, I was taken to the emergency room in unbearable pain and tears. That evening, I was admitted to the hospital and closely monitored for a bowel obstruction.

Over the next couple of days, my condition worsened. Late Sunday night, February 2, around 10:00 p.m., doctors determined that part of my bowel was dying, and I was rushed into emergency open abdominal surgery. During surgery, approximately six inches of dead bowel were removed. I am here today only by the grace of God and the skilled hands He worked through.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

I am profoundly grateful to be alive—but the road ahead is heavy. This was a major open abdominal surgery, and my doctors have made it clear that I am facing a minimum of 8 weeks of recovery, during which I cannot work.

What makes this especially heartbreaking is that I was scheduled to start a new job next week—a moment I had been praying and waiting for after being unemployed for over a year. Instead of stepping into a new beginning, I am now focused on healing and survival.

I am doing my best to trust God even when I don’t understand the timing. But the reality is that medical bills, rent, utilities, and basic living expenses don’t pause while the body heals. The financial weight of this season is overwhelming, especially when all my energy needs to be focused on recovery.

I am humbly asking for help to cover:

   •   Medical and hospital expenses

   •   Rent, utilities, and basic living costs during recovery

   •   Prescriptions, follow-up care, and recovery needs

I also want to acknowledge something incredibly important: I am surrounded by the most incredible village of people. Friends, family, and loved ones have shown up in ways I can never fully express—checking in, praying, advocating for me, and reminding me that I am not walking this road alone. I truly believe God works through people, and I have felt His presence through each act of love and care during this terrifying and sacred time.

If you feel led to give, please know that any amount truly helps. If you’re unable to give, sharing this or keeping me in your prayers means just as much. I am trusting that God will provide—sometimes through miracles, and sometimes through community.

Thank you for reading, for praying, and for walking with me through this unexpected valley. I am holding onto faith, believing that even here—God is still writing my story.

With love and deep gratitude,

Natasha