Leah Doughty

I’ve always been a giver. I’ve been lucky enough to live a life where I could help others—no overwhelming bills, strong work ethic, good-paying jobs, and great health. Helping people wasn’t just something I did, it was who I was. But life changed. I was diagnosed with a rare and potentially deadly disease called Variegate Porphyria. Looking back, it also took my mom and grandmother—though none of us knew why at the time. My health declined faster than I expected. I had to undergo a hysterectomy at a relatively young age, and the medical bills quickly piled up. Working became harder… and then impossible. So, in true “me” fashion, I went back to school at 46. I loved it. I built a business I was proud of. And then, just as quickly, Porphyria took that too. The chemicals I was exposed to were damaging my body. I’ve now had to walk away from both my career and the business I worked so hard to create—all while going deeper into debt just trying to survive. I’ve started the disability process, but it’s been slow and frustrating. I applied at the end of 2024 and have already been denied once, which I’m told is common. Things are moving… just very slowly. In the meantime, I’m upside down. My credit cards are maxed out. My bank account is negative. I even held an auction recently just to stay afloat. I do have support—Thomas has been incredible—but it’s hard not to feel guilty adding pressure to someone who already works so hard. So here I am, asking for help. Anything you can give means more than I can express. And if giving isn’t possible, sharing this would mean just as much. If you do share, a kind word would go a long way in helping this reach real people beyond the algorithms. With love, Leah