<div>I’ve always been a giver. I’ve been lucky enough to live a life where I could help others—no overwhelming bills, strong work ethic, good-paying jobs, and great health. Helping people wasn’t just something I did, it was who I was.
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<div>But life changed.
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<div>I was diagnosed with a rare and potentially deadly disease called Variegate Porphyria. Looking back, it also took my mom and grandmother—though none of us knew why at the time.
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<div>My health declined faster than I expected. I had to undergo a hysterectomy at a relatively young age, and the medical bills quickly piled up.
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<div>Working became harder… and then impossible.
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<div>So, in true “me” fashion, I went back to school at 46. I loved it. I built a business I was proud of. And then, just as quickly, Porphyria took that too. The chemicals I was exposed to were damaging my body.
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<div>I’ve now had to walk away from both my career and the business I worked so hard to create—all while going deeper into debt just trying to survive.
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<div>I’ve started the disability process, but it’s been slow and frustrating. I applied at the end of 2024 and have already been denied once, which I’m told is common. Things are moving… just very slowly.
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<div>In the meantime, I’m upside down.
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<div>My credit cards are maxed out. My bank account is negative. I even held an auction recently just to stay afloat.
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<div>I do have support—Thomas has been incredible—but it’s hard not to feel guilty adding pressure to someone who already works so hard.
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<div>So here I am, asking for help.
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<div>Anything you can give means more than I can express. And if giving isn’t possible, sharing this would mean just as much. If you do share, a kind word would go a long way in helping this reach real people beyond the algorithms.
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<div>With love,
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<div>Leah
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Jeremy Applebaum

Adam Macy

Nicole Pace

koryn madigan

Elizabeth Hill

Kathy Frandy

Martinez Finney

Anonymous

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Harper V

Camille Blake

Jennifer Ritchie

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Kevin Grooms

Stephanie Carswell

Matthew Kline

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Kailey Walsh

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