Hey everyone, my birthday is coming up on the 15th and I would like to ask for contributions to my GoFundMe. I am raising money towards getting licensed as a pharmacist.

Since I graduated in 2018, you may be wondering why I'm not already licensed. Good question, and the answer is a rather long story.

My husband Adam had been having GI issues for a while, and a few months after I graduated, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. I had just started a research fellowship in the Washington, DC area, and between juggling caring for him and the fellowship, taking the NAPLEX was not a priority. He died less than a year later in 2019.

Later, none of my jobs required me to be licensed. I've worked mainly in clinical trial regulations. Unfortunately, the current world situation has made pharmaceutical companies very nervous. There have been mass layoffs, and I'm seeing up to 300 people applying for a single position within two hours of the job being posted.

Why am I broke and need to ask for help? That's another good question.

• The financial toxicity of cancer. Even with insurance, many families struggle to pay for cancer treatment. After Adam died in 2019, I was left with over $50,000 in medical debt.

• A little over a year ago, I found out that I needed neurosurgery for a spinal birth defect. I had to have 5 vertebrae in my neck cut open to relieve pressure on my spine.

• A week after finding out I needed surgery, I was laid off along with 10% of my division.

• Part of my severance package included a one-year non-compete agreement. Considering I knew I wouldn't be able to look for a job for at least 6 to 8 weeks after surgery and may not have been ready to go back full-time for three months, I accepted the deal.

• Finally, I help out a lot of people. Won't go into details, but houses have been saved, utilities not cut off, vehicles obtained, professional wardrobes started, books published, and groceries bought. I also spend a lot of time volunteering, and I have helped many veterans get approved for VA disability and helped a lot of people with insurance problems.

Basically, I'm too altruistic for my own good.

Here is the total cost breakdown for getting licensed:

• $1,000 – study materials

• $200 – application fees

• $520 – NAPLEX

• $170 – MPJE

• $360 – miscellaneous

Total: $2,250

I hope to take the NAPLEX in early 2026. All donations are very welcome, no matter how big or small. I will post updates on how studying is going and the results. Any donations over the goal amount will go towards keeping the lights on and the kitties fed. Thanks!