I am Krisia Ayala, a multimedia artist and educator at The City College of New York. Recently, I was diagnosed with FSGS, a serious kidney condition requiring ongoing specialist care. Along with managing existing chronic conditions, this unexpected diagnosis has created significant medical expenses and reduced my ability to maintain my full teaching schedule.

Living in New York City while managing a chronic illness presents extraordinary financial challenges. The cost of basic necessities here is overwhelming:

- Rent payments: $2,500

- Monthly utilities and basic services cost hundreds

- Transportation to multiple medical appointments adds up quickly

- Groceries and essential items are at premium prices

- Medical copays and medications create additional strain

As an educator and artist who has dedicated my career to teaching and creating, I'm now asking for community support to help cover:

- Medical specialists' visits and treatments

- Essential medications

- Basic living expenses during treatment

- Medical insurance copays

- Transportation to medical appointments

The reality is that even with insurance and part-time teaching, managing chronic illness while keeping up with NYC's cost of living has become unsustainable.

Your support will help me focus on my health and eventually return to teaching and creating art at full capacity. Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference in this challenging time.