Hello,

TI genuinely hoped I'd never have to write something like this or have to ask for help, but this year has been extremely tough physically, mentally, financially, and in between. I know everyone is struggling, and I'm hesitant to ask for help, but I am running out of resources and feel guilty whenever I turn to my family, having had to do so many times. I have checked multiple resources suggested by my employer, but most were unavailable. Additionally, I'm ineligible for food assistance because my gross income is too high, which I'm not aware of, and if I were, I might not be in this position.

At the end of 2024, I started experiencing pain and other concerning symptoms in my chest area. Unfortunately, it had been over three years since my last visit to the ob-gyn, so I was late in seeking help, as I had to go in as a new patient and with a different doctor. By April, I finally managed to see a doctor, who ordered a mammogram the same day—my first ever. The following month and a half involved a lot of invasive testing and doctor visits before I received a breast cancer diagnosis on Memorial Day weekend, and the next day, I fell in my shower and fractured my coccyx bone. Dealing with that all while working full time and pursuing graduate studies. Needless to say, I felt my world had shattered, because I was tested for the BRCA gene in 2022 and tested negative. I have struggled with my body image my entire life because I am not what you would call conventionally attractive, and finding out that I was going to lose one of the only parts of myself I was comfortable with gave me severe anxiety. It has been an absolute whirlwind of a year.

Regrettably, I couldn't keep up with taking time off from my job for appointments and ran out of PTO, leading me to drop two classes in my first year of graduate school (even though I have maintained a 4.0 GPA). It is considered unsatisfactory due to the program's structure. I have been in touch with my advisors and professors, but I need to focus on this first term to get back on track with financial aid. I will have time to do so since I'm not working. Financially, things have been tough, with lost work hours, copays for appointments and prescriptions, and other general life expenses. I had $1200 in flexible spending in April, and it was entirely gone by mid-June. Following my bilateral mastectomy on July 28, 2025, the surgery went well, but I now face complications, which terrify me. I've taken all necessary steps to ensure a successful surgery, including maintaining my A1c at 6 (well-controlled). Still, I worry that managing my diabetes might have been overwhelming during this process with all of the stress. Now, I'm looking at two additional surgeries due to complications, as my skin is developing necrosis. I have another week before I find out if I will need to have those additional surgeries or not, which I am praying that I won't have to do, as it will make this journey much longer and further painful to feel somewhat normal.

On a more positive note, I won't require radiation or chemotherapy, as my lymph nodes tested negative for cancer. Once my reconstruction is complete, I should be on the other side of this, as my doctor said she expected me to live a long, happy life. However, I'm currently on FMLA at work, which will not last indefinitely as there is an end date, and I'm off to recover. I won't be paid by my employer for that entire time because they only cover a certain amount of sick time through donations. I'm already in significant debt to my family and have had to sell personal belongings to stay afloat.

With summer heat raising my utility bills in Alabama, I find myself with a massive power bill. I am also currently ineligible for financial aid until I complete two more classes without dropping. I need approximately $3,800 to cover the costs of those courses to continue my master's in counseling—something I'm passionate about and believe is my calling. I was never able to maintain a 4.0 GPA at any other time in my life. I have been working hard to repair my credit and earn this degree, which I started last summer, unaware of the challenges I would face. I now want to continue, as it will help me improve my life and set me up for the future. Additionally, I need to manage my utility payments and buy groceries and my diabetic supplies ($450 power bill, $200 phone bill, $150 diabetic supplies, $200 in copays I owe, and $200 for groceries--I'm not trying to pull one over anyone, so being transparent about what I owe). So here I am reaching out for help.

It's difficult to accept that I'm in this position due to cancer in my thirties, and the vulnerability of my situation has taken a toll on my mental health. The physical pain and added stress have only compounded my struggles. If there's any way you could assist me, it would mean more than I can express, and I'd be eternally grateful.