Hi, my name is Vickie Valladares. I have started a journey to take back my health. I have struggled with weight most of my life. I have PCOS, am prediabetic, and have just been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and hyperthyroidism.

I lost my mom at 20 years old; she was only 50 years old when she passed away. As I am getting older, I am realizing that if I want to live past 50, I need to change my health. I need to be there for my family and my son. Bariatric surgery will greatly impact my life for the better, but I need help.

The copays alone are becoming difficult to cover, and my family can only help so much. Your support, whether it's a financial donation, prayers, or even just encouragement to keep going, would mean the world, not just for me, but for my family who loves me, and my son who depends on me.

Asking for help is not something I was raised to do. But as I raise my son, one thing I've tried to teach him is that it's okay. It's okay to admit when you need help; it's okay to ask for help when help is needed. Despite what my pride tells me in this very moment, it takes a leap of courage; it is not a sign of weakness. Thank you for taking the time to read this.