My name is Larissa, and I am a nurse at Mount Sinai Morningside in New York City. I have dedicated 15 years of my life to nursing, with 14 of those years spent in the emergency room, caring for patients through some of the most challenging times, including the Covid pandemic. I am now part of the NYSNA union and currently on strike, fighting for better conditions for nurses and patients alike, workplace violence protection, and fair healthcare. Unfortunately, this has led to the loss of my job and health insurance for my family of six. We were not prepared for the strike, and after several emergencies with our home and car, our savings have been exhausted. Insurance for our family is now unaffordable, and my husband's insurance through his job would take away half his paycheck. We are struggling to cover our mortgage, utilities, groceries, and other essential bills while I continue to stand with my fellow nurses.

I have always been the one to help others, both at work and in my community. I am the person family and friends call late at night for advice or support, and I am always there to lend a hand. Nursing is in my DNA—my mother was a nurse, and many of my family members are as well. I am caring, compassionate, and always try to stay positive, no matter how tough things get.

Now, I am reaching out for help for the first time. The funds raised will help us cover two weeks to a month of daily living expenses, including our mortgage, utility bills, groceries, insurance, car notes, and our kids' activities. Your support means the world to us during this difficult time. Thank you so much for considering a donation to help my family get through this challenging period.