I am a 45-year-old woman living alone. My two dogs, both 14 years old, are my family. They have been by my side for many years, through some of the most difficult moments of my life.
I have no parents, no partner, and no family I can turn to for financial or practical support. Throughout my life, I have experienced situations that have left me struggling to rebuild my life, including domestic violence, losing my parents, being forced out of my home, and being financially exploited by people I trusted.
There were people who claimed they wanted to help me. Unfortunately, I trusted the wrong people and was scammed. Instead of receiving help, I was left with even more debt and an even worse financial situation.
Today, I am overwhelmed by bills and basic living expenses that I simply cannot keep up with. My income is not enough to cover everything, and I have no savings left to fall back on.
My health has also made it extremely difficult for me to improve my financial situation.
In the past, I suffered a serious arm fracture as a result of domestic violence. Unfortunately, the fracture healed incorrectly. Over the years, this has caused permanent problems and limitations that make many everyday movements difficult for me. It also severely limits the kind of work I can realistically do and makes finding and maintaining employment much harder.
Then, just three weeks ago, I received another devastating piece of news.
During a medical examination, I was diagnosed with a tumor in my shoulder.
I am supposed to undergo surgery, but finding a surgeon willing to take on the operation has been extremely difficult. I have been told that the surgery is particularly complicated and carries significant risks, and I am still trying to find the right specialist who is willing to take responsibility for such a difficult procedure.
While I am trying to deal with all of this, another terrible situation has arisen.
One of my 14-year-old dogs has been diagnosed with multiple mammary tumors. She now needs veterinary examinations, further tests, and surgery.
My dogs are not simply pets. They are my family. They have been beside me for 14 years, and during some of the darkest periods of my life, they were the ones who gave me a reason to keep going.
That is why asking for help now is so difficult for me.
I have never been someone who wanted to ask others for money. I have always tried to manage on my own, even when things were extremely hard. But this time, I have reached a point where I simply cannot do it alone anymore.
I am no longer able to cover my basic household expenses while also dealing with my own medical problems and the veterinary care my dog urgently needs.
I have no savings and no family member or partner who can help me financially.
The amount of pain and stress I have experienced over the years has also taken a serious emotional toll. I struggle with depression and panic attacks, and lately I have felt overwhelmed by everything that is happening at once.
I am writing this with my heart in my hands because I genuinely need help.
Any contribution, no matter how small, would mean an enormous amount to me. It would help me pay urgent household expenses, continue seeking the medical care I need, and, most importantly, give my dog the chance to receive the examinations and treatment she needs.
If you are not able to donate, sharing my story would also mean so much to me. Even helping this reach another person could make a difference.
I am not asking for something I simply want.
I am asking because, right now, I truly need help.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who takes the time to read my story, to anyone who is able to help, and to anyone who chooses to share it.
Thank you.