Many of you know me as Sola Requiem, but my real name is Luke Sepulveda. I’m a 25 year old veteran trying to hold everything together. But I’m at my breaking point and don’t know what else to do.

In early September a phone call from my doctor flipped my life upside down: My numbers matched my mom’s when she was diagnosed with cancer. For six weeks I lived in doctor’s offices, biopsies, scans, vomiting every night from the medication, I even lost twenty pounds. A few days before my birthday I finally got the all clear: no cancer, but a genetic thyroid disorder that possibly requires medication for life.

The bills destroyed any savings or good credit I had. Because I’m still on my family’s insurance, the 2025 out of pocket max was already hit. I wiped out my entire savings and maxed both credit cards just to cover most of it, but it’s still not enough.

Then my mom, a cancer survivor, had a hip surgery. Her recovery is going badly, she can’t work, can barely walk, and I’m her main caregiver. I’m driving her to appointments, handling everything at home, and paying for her antibiotics and pain medication. All on top of my current situation.

I’m a behavioral therapist who specializes in working with autistic children, a job I love more than anything, but with clients traveling for the holidays and me taking time off to care for Mom, my income is cut in half through for November through December.

I’ve been DoorDashing after shifts, pawning whatever I can, and I start donating plasma twice a week this week for extra cash. It still isn’t enough.

Going over my bank and bills, I need $1,600 to make it through November and December without losing my medication and basic needs:

1. Medical Bills: $800

2. Utility Bills: $275

3. Medication and Antibiotics: $300

4. Gas and Groceries: $225

I’ve fought as hard as I can for months. I ashamed to ask for help, but I’m out of option. Even $5 or $10 can help me make it through this period. Sharing helps just as much.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and God Bless you.

Luke Sepulveda

Sola Requiem