In 2013, my life changed forever when I was shot in the face. The injury forced me to undergo surgery to have metal plates put in my face, and the bullet burned my optic nerves, leaving me without sight. For the past 12 years, I’ve had to adjust to a world I can no longer see, facing many ups and downs, losses, and disappointments along the way. Although those responsible are in prison, the impact of that day continues to shape my life.

Despite these challenges, I’ve held onto my dreams. I want to get surgery to remove the scar tissue from behind my eyeballs, hoping that it might give me a chance to regain even a little bit of sight. Art has always been my passion—I had hoped to be a tattoo artist, and before losing my sight, I was creating tattoos, including a few on myself. Opening an art studio would allow me to express myself again and share my creativity with others. I also started recording music and dream of publishing my book, but it’s been hard to focus on these goals while being dependent on others.

I’m grateful for the support of my fiancé and family, but I lost my number one supporter in 2023, which has been especially hard. If you’re able to help, your support would mean the world to me. It would give me hope, help me pursue my dreams, and maybe, just maybe, allow me to see the world again.