My name is Mireya Wise, and I am a registered nurse at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Since January 12th, my coworkers and I have been on strike. We are not striking lightly — we are standing up for a fair contract, for safe staffing for our patients, and for job security so we can continue caring for our communities with integrity.

We are professional nurses. We chose this career to care for others. But right now, we are fighting to protect our ability to do that safely.

This strike has placed many of us in unimaginable hardship.

Angelica is preparing to welcome her first baby into the world in just a few weeks. Instead of focusing on this beautiful milestone, she is facing it without health insurance and without income. No mother should have to carry that kind of fear so close to delivery.

Kingsley is grieving the loss of his mother in Ghana. He, too, has no income during this strike and is navigating profound personal loss while standing in solidarity with his fellow nurses.

Their stories are just two examples. Every one of us has been impacted by this unprecedented situation. We are nurses who have spent our careers caring for others in their most vulnerable moments. Now, we find ourselves vulnerable.

We are asking for support to help us get through this difficult time while we continue to fight for safe conditions for our patients and fair treatment for nurses. Any contribution, no matter the amount, makes a difference.

Thank you for standing with us.