At the start of this year, my life took a very hard turn. I lost my job, my car was totaled, and my mental health spiraled. Things became so overwhelming that I was admitted to a mental health hospital for immediate help. I was told I’d only be there for 3 days, just to help stabilize me and get me into therapy faster. Instead, I was kept for 8 days—the full length of what my insurance would cover. Sadly, that stay didn’t lead to therapy because I couldn’t afford the costs afterward.

Afterward, my mom flew up from Florida to bring me home with her, where I started over with family nearby and began working again. I’ve been doing my best to rebuild and stay afloat, but months later I was hit with a bill I never expected: nearly $2,500 for my hospital stay.

My insurance only covered part of it, and despite applying for forgiveness, I was denied because my income is considered just above the poverty line—even though I’m living paycheck to paycheck, barely covering my basic expenses. So far, I’ve only managed to pay $100 toward the bill, and I’ve been warned that if I can’t keep up, it will go to collections.

This bill is more than I can handle on my own. Any contribution, no matter the size, would mean the world to me and help keep me from drowning in medical debt while I work hard to get back on my feet. Even if you can’t donate, sharing this would still make a huge difference.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.