Dear friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers, I’m reaching out with a heavy, but hopeful heart. I’ve gone back and forth about sharing this because it’s not easy to relive but this is my reality, and I’m choosing to open my heart. About a year & 10 months ago, my life changed in a way I never could have imagined. I was shot in my brain with a 9mm hollow point bullet by someone I once loved, and since that moment, nothing has been the same. I now live with a traumatic brain injury that affects how I think, how I feel, and even how I see the world. My vision has been deeply impacted, without my glasses, everything becomes a blur but healing hasn’t just been physical. There were months where I was simply trying to survive mentally, navigating heavy medications and a reality that didn’t feel like my own. For 8 months and 13 days, I lived without part of my skull. It’s hard to put into words what that does to a person, how fragile, disoriented, and overwhelmed you can feel. I wasn’t okay… but I was trying. I was doing the best I could, one moment at a time. I take accountability for my past, but I also carry compassion for the version of me who was trying to survive something so heavy. I’ve since left that situation, and for over a year now, I’ve been fighting every single day to rebuild my life since this happened to me. It hasn’t been easy, especially when parts of my past are brought up without understanding the pain behind them but I’m still here, still standing, still trying. This isn’t just a story, it’s my life. My testimony. Something I carry with me every single day. Now, I’m preparing for my sixth surgery. My uncle has truly been a blessing in my life, he’s helped carry me through some of my hardest moments, and I will forever be grateful for him. But this next step is more than he can take on, and I don’t expect him to. I just hold so much love and appreciation for everything he’s already done. This surgery is to help correct my eye alignment, which was affected by nerve damage from the gunshot. It’s something that impacts me daily, both physically and emotionally, and I’m doing everything I can to continue healing and moving forward. I haven’t held onto anything, every dollar I’ve had has gone toward medical bills, doctor visits, and the medications I need just to function. Everything I’ve earned recently is being put toward this surgery. So I’m humbly asking… if you feel it in your heart to help in any way, whether it’s donating, sharing my story, or even just keeping me in your prayers, I would be so deeply grateful. I’m still here. Still fighting. Still holding onto faith. And with God, I trust that healing and brighter days are ahead. Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and for any love or support you’re able to give. With love, Zahra