Hello, my name is Valerie Rivera. I’m a full-time paralegal, a Criminal Justice student at the University of North Texas, a small business owner, a wife, and a mother of three beautiful children.

Over the past year, my body has slowly been shutting down. I can no longer walk or stand for long periods. My limbs grow weaker each day. Tasks that were once second nature, like doing my daughter’s hair, preparing dinner, or creating balloon art for my clients, have become nearly impossible. The symptoms are debilitating and progressing fast.

I’ve worked hard all my life. I love my job. I love school. I love being a mom. But now, I’m facing the hardest chapter of my life. I’m preparing to move my family back home because I need my support system more than ever. I am preparing for the worst while fighting for the best outcome.

I’m raising funds to help with:

• Travel and testing at the Mayo Clinic

• Out-of-pocket medical expenses

• Temporary financial relief as I struggle to work

• Long-term security for my family, should the unthinkable happen

As painful as this is to share, I’m asking for help. I want to continue being a mother, a wife, a student, a dreamer. But if I can’t, I want to leave my family with peace and stability.

Every donation, every share, every kind word means more than I can express.

With all my heart,

Valerie Rivera