My name is Teresa, and I’m a 20-year-old college student facing a difficult journey with my health. Four years ago, I was diagnosed with a tumor in my bone. After my first surgery didn’t heal properly, I needed a revision surgery this past November. What was supposed to be a two-hour procedure turned into five hours, and the recovery has been much harder than I ever imagined.

A month after surgery, I developed sepsis and nearly lost my life. I had to undergo emergency surgery and spent five days in the hospital, finally being released just before Christmas. Now, I have a PICC line in my arm and receive IV antibiotics every 12 hours. I can’t walk on my leg because there’s a gap in my bone that will need another surgery once my infection heals. Because of all this, I’ve had to take time off from college and I’m unable to work. I pay for everything myself, without help from my family, and I’m struggling to afford my weekly antibiotics and the mounting hospital and surgery bills.

I also suffer from depression, and it’s been hard to keep pushing forward and face these challenges alone. I know my case may not seem as grave as others, but I would be forever grateful for any support you can offer. Your help would mean the world to me and would give me hope to keep fighting for my recovery.