Hi, I'm Annie — and writing this isn’t easy, but I’m learning to ask for help when I need it.
In 2023, I got COVID, and things took a scary turn. The virus didn’t just knock me off my feet — it caused permanent nerve damage in my face (you can see it in my profile picture, no, I am not smirking. I can't lift the right side of my smile), leaving me in pain and struggling to function normally. I ended up on short-term disability, which only paid a fraction of my income. I tried to stay strong for my children, but the bills piled up quickly while I was just trying to survive.
I’m a single mom, and I’ve always done everything I could to be independent, resourceful, and resilient. But the truth is: I was drowning. Between doctor visits, urgent care bills, medications, and living expenses, I racked up over $6,000 in medical debt and more than $20,000 in credit card and loan debt — just to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table.
Now that I’m trying to heal — physically, emotionally, and financially — I’m asking for help.
The funds raised here will go toward:
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Paying off medical bills from COVID-related complications and nerve treatments
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Tackling credit card debt used to cover basic living expenses while I couldn’t work
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Giving me some breathing room to fully recover without constant financial stress
I’ve had sleepless nights worrying if I’d ever catch up again — not just with bills, but with life. Depression and anxiety crept in when I was too tired to fight them off. It’s been humbling, and at times, heartbreaking. But I’m still here. I’m still fighting. And I haven’t lost my sense of humor... yet. (Okay, maybe I misplaced it a few times, but I always find it again eventually.)
If you’ve ever been in a tough spot — or just believe in lifting someone up — I could use a hand right now. Even $5 helps. And if you can’t give, that's ok too, just sharing this with others would mean just as much.
Thank you for reading this and for being part of my healing story.
With love and deep gratitude,
Annie
