As I swallow my pride and attempt to put this out into the world, despite the horrors and the realities for so many people in our country at the moment, I'm moved by those who have asked if they could help (whether emotionally, financially, physically, or anything in between). I'm reminded of the beauty of being human, and for that, I'll make myself as raw and open to the idea that we're all struggling in our own ways, and mine just may require a leap out of my comfort zone in hopes that even one of you finds the grace in it all.

For two months this summer, I spent more time in hospitals and doctor's offices than I have in my own home. In early June, I was transferred to the ICU after being rushed to the ER under acute respiratory failure and minutes away from my organs shutting down — which, long story short, turned into a two-week fight for my life as I wasn't able to breathe, sit up, or walk on my own, with a bacterial infection, double pneumonia, and severely low oxygen levels. Soon after being sent home with oxygen for the foreseeable future, I developed a blood clot in my right lung, bringing us back to square one.

I'm still on a long road to recovery as I have permanent damage in my lungs, which requires pulmonary physical therapy (the easy part!). But our bodies are beautiful, complicated, delicate, tragic, surprising, and ever-changing in ways we can't even comprehend. Because of this, my husband and I are now facing an insurmountable medical debt that came out of absolutely nowhere, and struggling to balance that as it accumulates, along with all of the other medications and treatments I still need today.

It is an absolutely insane time in the world, and I *completely* understand the weight of that. This is in no way an expectation - as many of your words and encouragement have given more than money ever could. But, if you have the means and feel inclined to share generosity beyond what you all have already shared, my husband and I would appreciate it more than you could ever know.

Thank you so much for reading, and here's to love and light and all things healing.