I never imagined I would be in a position where I needed to ask for help. I've always been the one others could count on. I've been working since I was 14 years old, and no matter what life has thrown at me, I've always found a way to push through and provide. I'm a single mom who was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis and Lupus 10 years ago. It hasn't been an easy journey, but I've done everything I can to stay strong for my children and keep moving forward.

I've always tried to be an inspiration to others by sharing my story and my journey with my illness. If I can help even just one person by sharing my story, it has been worth all of the pain and struggle. Helping others is the core of who I am, and now I am humbled enough to know I need to ask for help. My heart breaks even writing this, but I know I need to.

What some may not know is that I take a form of chemotherapy every 8 weeks for my Ulcerative Colitis, which also helps manage my Lupus. The medication, called Stelara, is extremely expensive without insurance ($36k per dose, I know it's crazy). I am currently forgoing my Stelara treatment until I have insurance again. On top of that, I have multiple medications I must take daily to manage my symptoms and allow me to live as normal a life as possible. This also requires a doctor's appointment every 4 weeks—appointments I am now missing because I simply can't afford them.

Recently, I lost my insurance coverage when I lost my job that I loved, and because of that, I had to miss my last chemotherapy treatment. Right now, I'm stretching my medications as long as I can, trying to make them last, which is scary and not sustainable. I currently have no insurance and no income coming in. I have good job prospects lined up and am hopeful about starting work soon, but realistically it may be a couple of weeks before I'm able to begin and receive a paycheck. In the meantime, I'm struggling to cover rent, utilities, and basic living expenses for the next month.

This is incredibly hard for me to write. I've never been in this position before, and asking for help feels overwhelming. But right now, I'm scared and just trying to keep a roof over our heads and stay healthy enough to get back on my feet. If you are able to give, no matter the amount, it would mean more than I can express. If you can't donate, sharing this would also help tremendously. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any support you can offer during this difficult time.