Hello to all that might help. My name is Maria Torres. I am 57 and going through some serious health issues. I almost passed away in June. I have a hernia in my stomach, and it wrapped around my intestines and caused a septic infection and blockage, which was 10 feet of blockage that had to get removed. My first surgery went well, but then it healed wrong inside, and now I have a hole that leaks bile. I've been home since June 26th, and I am on a no food, no liquid diet. I am tube-fed and in and out of nursing homes. My stomach is left open, and my bowels have been routed to the big opening of my stomach so no bile leaks inside my body. This is very frustrating and makes me angry at times. The doctor told me this is going to be a long road. It has been 4 months; November is 5 months in and out of hospitals and nursing homes. I just want to go home.

I am an artist, and I sell artwork to support myself. I get very little help from the government, which doesn’t cover my bills. Now I can’t work like I used to. I am asking for help. My rent is backed up, and my electric bill is backed up. I have a few friends that do help—my guardian angels—but I can’t keep asking, and I also need more help than I’m getting. The bills are getting backed up, and I am getting scared I will lose everything before I get better. So, I am reaching out for help from anyone that can spare it. I have mental illnesses and disabilities, so I have some limits. Everyone struggles these days. I hope you can find time to read my story and donate some help. Anything helps, and I do appreciate it so much. Thank you even for just reading this, and if you can’t donate, please share my story so maybe someone else can help. Thank you, and God bless you.