Support Maria's Journey Back to Cooking

Hi, my name is Maria. I am a 36-year-old aspiring chef from Newark, New Jersey, who over a year ago thought that my dreams were no longer possible. Back in June 2023, I was having these weird sensations in my feet and legs and thought nothing of it until I started having issues with my balance. So, my doctor sent me to a neurologist, and not even 10 minutes into my visit, I was being told that I'm being admitted into the hospital for further testing. I immediately started to cry and was overwhelmed with so many different emotions. I spent almost 2 months between the hospital and rehab, having every type of test you could think of, from blood work, CT scans, spinal taps, and much more, only to find out I have a condition/autoimmune disorder called CIDP, which is a condition that affects your nerves in your legs and hands. With that, I could no longer cook. And cooking is me, my life, my passion, and gift, and without that, I felt like I was nothing. I went through some dark days dealing with depression, anxiety, and so many insecurities. I was completely wheelchair-bound and couldn't do the simplest things for myself. I had to depend on my loved ones for everything, from brushing my teeth to feeding me and so much more. My world as I knew it was over to me, but God had other plans for me. I moved out of state to North Carolina with my mom and partner, found a doctor who was familiar with my condition, put me on a different care plan and treatment, and slowly but surely, I started noticing the little things like holding my toothbrush without dropping it and having feeling back in my hands. It's not easy coming to terms that I'm disabled but able, meaning I have a condition that can come back, and with that, I'm a liability. So, getting a job isn't easy. I always said that I will have my own food truck or catering company so I can make my own schedule and be my own boss. I'm not asking for a handout; I'm asking for help to get back on my feet and make my dreams come true.