Hi, my name is Adrienne.

If you know me, you know this is the absolute last thing I ever wanted to do. I’ve always worked hard, handled things on my own, and figured it out — no matter what. Asking for help does not come naturally to me. But right now, I truly need it.

On December 18, I suffered a serious fall that resulted in central cord syndrome — a spinal cord injury causing swelling in my neck and nerve damage. I currently have very limited use of my hands and arms and ongoing pain. I cannot feel my hands properly, which means I cannot work in my cleaning business at all.

Then on February 14, I woke up and half of my face was drooping. After going to the emergency department, I was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy. I’m now dealing with facial paralysis, difficulty speaking, and medication on top of everything else.

I am a self-employed residential cleaner. I’ve spent nearly three years building my business from the ground up, slowly creating steady income and loyal clients. I don’t have paid sick leave. I don’t have unemployment insurance. I don’t have savings. I was finally getting ahead — and then everything stopped overnight.

Most importantly, I’m a mom to two incredible girls.

My oldest is 15 and has multiple disabilities. She travels to Toronto SickKids every months for eye surgeries and has additional learning needs that require constant advocacy and support. My youngest is 11 — my shadow — who still just wants her mom close. They depend on me for everything.

Right now, I can’t work. I can’t clean homes. I can barely manage basic tasks at home. And the bills don’t stop.

Mortgage. Utilities. Car insurance. Groceries. Appointments. Life.

On top of all of this, when I fell I knocked out a front tooth. This has cause discomfort and other difficulties and I don't have coverage to cover the cost to fix it.

Swallowing my pride and creating this page has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But I need a bridge to get through these next few months while my body heals so I can get back to being the mom and provider my girls rely on.

If you are able to donate, no amount is too small. If you can’t, sharing this page would mean the world to us.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping my family during a time we truly didn’t see coming.