I'm a single mom of two children under 13, and over the past three years, I've faced some of the hardest challenges of my life. I was hospitalized three times, twice for a botched colonoscopy, and one for a mental breakdown These hospitalizations have left me with overwhelming medical and ambulance debt. During this time, I was without pay for six months. Even though I have a good job, the high interest rates on my debt make it nearly impossible to catch up. As a one-income family, it's incredibly difficult and disheartening to see my efforts barely make a dent.

My priority has always been my children. I have a small savings account set aside for them that I refuse to touch—it's the only thing that gives me peace, knowing they can have new shoes and play school sports with their friends. I've also lost four friends in the last three years, and depression is something I've battled since childhood. I've never done anything like this before, but I'm feeling stuck and overwhelmed.

I believe deeply in kindness, empathy, and paying it forward. I love my community and every day I think of ways I can help others. Right now, I just hope to get my head above the debt I'm drowning in so I can continue to be there for my kids and support those around me. Any help or encouragement means the world to me. Thank you for reading and for any support you can offer.