This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, but I have so much faith in the human spirit and our ability to lift each other up in tough times. Right now, I’m living my best life with my beautiful crazy teenagers and my pup. A few years ago, I took a leap of faith, followed my passion, and started my own business. After years of hard work, it’s finally starting to flourish, and life has never felt so full of possibility.

But last August, my journey abruptly shifted. I had an allergic reaction to a chemical in hair dye (PPD), and because I have Lupus—an autoimmune condition that amplifies the body’s responses—this reaction set off a chain of complications. Shortly after, I developed a secondary autoimmune condition called Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). HS causes painful boils and abscesses, and in my case, most appeared on my scalp. Even the smallest skin irritation anywhere on my skin though—like a bug bite, a scrape, or my chronic eczema—can trigger new abscesses. I’ve also had an autoimmune allergy to my own sweat for most of my life, which only adds to the challenge.

Since this began, I’ve had upward of 100+ boils on my scalp alone, not to mention others on my body. I’ve lost more than half my hair—it does grow back, but it’s unpredictable, and I’ve had to make peace with the grays because dyeing is no longer an option! To say this has shaken my self-image would be an understatement.

I’m beyond grateful for my small but mighty support system, who have stood by me through every step of this journey. But the reality is that this condition has taken a huge toll—not just physically and emotionally, but financially. The medical costs have piled up, and managing my condition requires daily care. That along with the pain and exhaustion, at times has prevented me from even being able to work.

HS is an extremely private illness because of the way it affects physical appearance and self-esteem. For six months, I hid it from almost everyone, including close friends, out of embarrassment and fear. But with the support of my tribe, I’m learning to be open. This isn’t something I asked for, and I refuse to let shame keep me silent. Sharing these photos is incredibly difficult, and there are many I may never be able to show anyone—but I’m learning that transparency helps us grow.

I am currently behind on rent, and I’m struggling to keep up with other basic expenses, juggling everything for so long. Asking for help has never come easily to me—it’s something I’ve often resisted, sometimes to my own detriment. But if this journey has taught me anything, it’s that we are not meant to fight our battles alone.

HS is chronic and has no cure, but I’m finally learning how to manage it. Now I just need some breathing room to get back on my feet financially so I can fight it the way I should have been from the beginning, without fear or shame, and continue building the beautiful life I’ve worked so very hard for. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for any support—whether it’s a donation, a share, or just a kind word. It all means the world.