I’m Nicole Johnstone. Many of you have known me through several stages of life, including a successful dance career and several creative projects I undoubtedly remain proud of to this day. This is so hard to admit, but unfortunately, my reality for the past 7 years has been a constant state of rebuilding since being dropped from my dance agent just days after finding out about my Dad's cancer diagnosis, the chaos that was COVID, and the biggest heartbreak of my life—losing him in 2020 the night before my flight home to see him. Since then, I’ve been navigating this intense grief and isolation as well as chronic pain from the culmination of my injuries, and all the while working full-time as a server at a restaurant, barely making ends meet and working diligently on building a business that brings healing and grief support to others. However, I’m now facing a critical moment where I urgently need help to continue on this path.

I have had two herniated discs in my back (L4-L5-S1) for over a year now, and the constant pain has become truly unbearable while working my serving job, which only makes things worse. I am unable to sit, stand for long periods, have trouble walking & sleeping well and this has caused severe burnout, weight loss, and a pretty heavy resurgence of depression despite the profound progress I had made on my mental health. I’ve tried multiple therapies, including a recent epidural injection, acupuncture, multiple rounds of physical therapy, my regular yoga practice, following an anti-inflammatory diet, ketamine-assisted therapy, and intense bodywork sessions, but the pain persists. My doctor insists I take a leave to let my body rest and heal in the likely event that I end up needing disc replacement surgery, but financially, I just can’t afford to step away from work right now, even if I am approved for disability benefits.

In the midst of these challenges, I discovered sound—a transformative practice that became a source of comfort and grounding while caring for my father through his chemo treatments, and after his passing, in my early stages of grief. In February of this year, I became certified in sound frequency healing, offering sessions to others, especially those healing from trauma, grief, and addiction, and focusing on making this modality more available to underserved communities. Sound healing uses vibrational frequencies to recalibrate the body’s energy on a cellular level, guiding it from a state of fight-or-flight into deep relaxation. This work has been incredibly powerful in helping people, including myself, find peace, healing, renewal, and connectivity in these challenging times. I've even started a group of other adults who lost their Dad and held a sound bath at my home for us to support each other on Father's Day. I am incredibly proud of what I've been able to accomplish despite these challenges, and I feel deeply called to continue this work.

Your support will help me take the time I need to heal, without the stress of losing my income. Here’s what your donations will cover:

• Rent and basic living expenses during my recovery.

• Time to fully focus on rest, healing, and rehabilitation so I can get out of survival mode, restore my creativity & return stronger.

• The ability to continue offering sound healing, building my business, and serving others who need it.

I’ve never been one to ask for help like this, and this feels extremely vulnerable to do, but I’m at a point where I don’t have any other options. Anything you can contribute will help me get through this time and stay on the path of healing—so I may continue to use my light to guide the way, for myself and for others.

Thank you so much for being part of my story.

In humble gratitude,

Nicole