Over Halloween weekend in Washington, DC, my life was turned upside down. I’m 22 years old and living with type 1 diabetes, and during that trip I was robbed twice. My wallet was stolen, and money was taken from it. I was also sexually assaulted at the club, and during everything that happened I may have had a seizure along with several low blood sugar episodes.

I was able to get my phone and glucose monitor back through my own efforts, so those do not need to be replaced. The real crisis now is the financial damage from losing my wallet and cash, the debt I’m already in, and the very real possibility that I may not be able to renew my health insurance. That is terrifying for me because my insurance is what makes it possible for me to access the medications, supplies, and care I need to stay alive.

Without health insurance, I may lose coverage for my insulin pump, lorazepam or anti-seizure medication, other medically necessary diabetes supplies, and follow-up care for the possible seizures. These are not optional expenses. They are life-sustaining. Without them, I could face seizures, diabetic ketoacidosis, severe hypoglycemia, starvation, and death. If my coverage lapses, my life will be in danger.

I can only work minimal hours at very low pay because of my health, and I earn $3 per hour at my job. I try to keep my income low to avoid falling into medical and other debt. I am already in debt and too low income to afford these medical needs out of pocket. My medications cost thousands of dollars, and I do not have the funds to pay for them myself. If I cannot get my medication through health insurance or by paying somehow, I will be too sick to work. That means I could lose both my ability to work and my ability to get the medicine I need to survive. My family is also struggling financially, so there is very little cushion right now. I was also hit with an unexpected hotel security deposit of $100 per night, and the total ended up being hundreds of dollars that I do not know when or if I will get back.

I’m asking for help so I can keep my health insurance, maintain access to the medications and supplies I need to stay alive, and get the follow-up care I need. I need help urgently so I do not lose access to my medicine or become too sick to work. Because this need may continue over time, recurring donations would help me keep up with ongoing medical and insurance-related costs. One-time donations would also mean so much and would help immediately with the debt and financial loss I’m facing right now. If you’re not able to give, sharing this fundraiser would also mean a lot to me. Thank you for supporting me during such a difficult and vulnerable time.