My name is Kaleen, and I never imagined I would be in a position where I’d have to ask for help like this. I am a single mom to three beautiful children—a 13-year-old daughter, a 7-year-old son, and my baby girl who is just 10 months old. They depend on me for everything and on Christmas Day our lives were changed forever.

On Christmas Day, I was struck by cauda equina syndrome, a rare and serious condition where nerves at the base of the spine are damaged, affecting the legs and basic bodily functions. Everything happened quickly and terrifyingly, and I had to undergo emergency spinal surgery to prevent further damage. What should have been a day filled with joy and family became the beginning of a long, painful medical journey and an uncertain future.

I am currently in inpatient rehabilitation therapy, working every day with the hope of regaining my strength and helping my nerves heal. My biggest goal is to be able to walk again and eventually return to a semi-normal life. Every day is physically and emotionally exhausting, but I push through the pain and fear for my children.

Because of my condition and recovery, I am unable to work. I don’t know when—or if—I will be able to return to my job, and I currently have no source of income. The financial stress on top of everything else has been overwhelming.

As a single mother, it breaks my heart not knowing how I will provide for my children—especially with a teenager, a young child, and a baby who all need me in different ways. I worry constantly about rent, bills, food, and giving them some sense of stability while I fight to heal.

I am sharing my story with humility and hope, asking for support during one of the darkest times in my life. Any help—whether through donations, sharing this page, or kind words—means more than I can ever express. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read my story and for supporting my family and me during this incredibly difficult season.