I feel like the velveteen rabbit, falling apart by the seams and holding on by a thread but uniquely loveable to those that can see to the heart of me. A dear friend who has survived breast cancer encouraged me to create this fundraiser. And so here is my story to date.

Back in late 2020, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, and 2021 was an utterly surreal and harsh journey through mastectomy, chemo and radiotherapy. I was also thrown into full-on menopause at the same time.

I was floored. Literally on my hands and knees as my whole life crashed.

My main work had been as a shiatsu practitioner with clinics abroad, which was not a great fit for a woman in the midst of breast cancer in the Covid pandemic.

I was given an all clear in January of 2022 and had hoped to be back on my feet and working again. Sadly that was not to be.

Firstly, the cancer I had was hormone sensitive and I had been put on Tamoxifen for up to 8 years after all my other treatments. However, it gave me crippling daily panic attacks so I had to stop the treatment.

Alongside this I have an injured arm from the picc line they inserted during the chemo, again making it difficult to pick up my shiatsu clinic work until it is resolved.

And then, I started having sinusitis and tinnitus, which is now at a chronic stage 7 months on. It leaves me exhausted, dizzy, anxious, depressed and on edge all the time. For this, I am awaiting a consultation which could take up to 6 months.

Here is where I am hoping you can help. I have no funds left after the last few years of going through cancer, and I am currently on benefits. My life is on a wing and a prayer living hand to mouth.

Here is the stark reality of my catch-22 situation - trying really hard and yet not quite well enough to work right now or even able to do my previous line of work with all I have going on.

I need funds to work with a naturopath and other professionals to help with my hormone regulation. I will require tests and supplementation. Otherwise, I could face metastasis of the cancer.

I need funds to have regular therapy.

I need funds to help publish the manuscript I wrote during my treatments, which I believe is crucial for other women to read as another torch through cancer diagnosis.

I need funds to get my artwork out into the world. I started creating creatures with pastels during my bedridden months last year. It has been amazing because I never knew I was an artist until now.

I need funds to rebuild and reshape my career. It takes time to find new ways to utilize my skill set and find a new niche that fits where I am right now.

I need funds to help me transition into a new home as I have been staying with a dear friend since my diagnosis and, at some point, will need a home of my own.

I yearn to be back out giving service.

I yearn to be well and thriving.

I yearn to feel at peace with my hormone situation.

I yearn to find my way home.

With your help, I can keep despair at bay and find a positive way through. With your help, I can thrive and be back in the world, giving what I love and supporting others.

If my story touches you in any way and you have the means to help with this fundraiser, I would be extraordinarily grateful.

Life sometimes asks that we reveal our vulnerability to the world, and this is one of those moments for me.

Heartfelt thanks that you have read this far. With love to you, wherever you are.