Hi friends ❤️

I feel incredibly vulnerable doing this — asking for money or help is not something that I like doing, and honestly, it makes me deeply uncomfortable. But after so many of you reached out and asked me to, here I am. If you are taking the time to read this — thank you. Truly, from the bottom of my heart.

My story:

In 2020, I woke up one day and couldn't hear out of one ear. Due to COVID, I was brushed off with virtual appointments and told it was an ear infection. It took over three months of pushing before I finally saw a specialist in person — only to learn my hearing loss was permanent. No explanation. No cure.

Hearing aids haven't helped much. With 0% word recognition, volume doesn't matter — I simply can't process sound. Social situations leave me in tears, tinnitus makes sleep brutal, and the daily lack of understanding from others is exhausting.

After five years of persistence and three ENT specialists, I thought I got an explanation: a wisdom tooth had been embedded in my sinus for a decade — completely missed by doctors. I had the surgery to remove it hoping it would help. It didn't.

Now, in 2026, I've learned my hearing loss qualifies me for a cochlear implant — a device that could genuinely change my life in ways hearing aids never could. But here's the hard part: eligibility decreases every year after the five-year mark, and I'm there. If I can't afford it this year, I may lose the window entirely. The out-of-pocket cost is over $10,000.

I'm not comfortable asking for help, but here I am. Whether you give $5 or $500, I will remember it forever. I'm keeping a list of every single person who contributes and promise to be ready to return the kindness. And if you can't give financially — your support on this journey already means everything.

Thank you for being here. ❤️