In 2022 my life changed dramatically.

Up to this point I had been studying and working to support myself throughout my time in university. I am from a working-class family, but I was optimistic and determined to get my B. Sc. to make a better future for myself and my family possible.

During my time in university I slowly but steadily became less able to do my course work. I would start noticing issues with my memory, increased pain and a creeping, overwhelming exhaustion that would keep getting worse and worse.

I was diagnosed with ME/CFS in 2020.

When it was time to start thinking about my thesis, I had to accept that I was no longer healthy enough to be able to handle the work load. Quitting university was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make.

I kept working a flexible 20h/week job with accommodations, hoping I would be able to keep supporting myself for as long as possible.

Early in 2022 my doctor advised me to quit my job, as continuing to work was steadily worsening my condition.

The hallmark symptom of my disability is my condition worsening upon any kind of activity, cognitive or physical.

This means I am unable to work even a small job, I am fully dependent on those around me.

I was 28 when I had to accept I might never be able to work again.

When I first moved out at 18, my dog Oskar joined my life at 8 weeks old.

We have spent almost all of his life together and he means everything to me.

In 2015 my dog disappeared into a bush during one of our walks and would not come back out, no matter how much I called. In a little box, he had found a kitten.

This kitten would come to stay with us long term, we named him Shiva.

In February this year Oskar started showing pain symptoms.

We took him to a the vet, who informed us one of his teeth was fractured, which he would need surgery and removal for.

They also found he had a heart murmur and referred us for an ultrasound and electrocardiogram.

During that check-up they found Oskar suffers from a mild heart insufficiency and will need daily medication going forwards.

After reducing the cost for this as much as possible we now have a solution that runs us 106€ for 150 days of medication.

Surgery went well, to everyone's relief.

The vet ended up pulling 16 teeth. My baby truly is an old man now!

In addition to the pre-op and surgery costs both him and Shiva needed their regular vaccines and treatments.

During Shiva's most recent check-up the vet had a closer look at his teeth and determined that surgery for cleaning would be necessary. They deem it likely that some of his teeth might also need removal.

As much as I want to, I cannot do any work to come up with the money needed to pay these bills.

I am hoping for your help and support, it will be so very much appreciated.

Any amount you can give is a big amount for us.

We would also be forever grateful if you would share our story, so we can reach more people and raise the funds we need.