A month ago, my life changed in an instant.

What started as an illness quickly became a life-threatening medical emergency when I developed sepsis. I underwent emergency surgery to save my life and spent weeks fighting to recover. I am incredibly grateful to be here today, but surviving was only the beginning of a difficult journey.

While I continue to get stronger every day, my recovery is far from over. I am still undergoing ongoing medical treatment, attending follow-up appointments, and managing the physical and emotional challenges that come with healing from such a serious illness.

The financial impact has been overwhelming.

Because of my hospitalization and recovery, I missed weeks of work and lost much-needed income during one of the most difficult periods of my life. Unfortunately, I also lost my primary job because I was unable to return as quickly as my employer required. To make ends meet, I have had to transition to PRN status at one job and work part-time at another while continuing to recover.

At the same time, medical bills continue to arrive from the emergency room, surgery, hospital stay, specialists, labs, and ongoing treatment. The costs seem to grow faster than I can keep up with.

Beyond the medical expenses, everyday bills did not stop while I was fighting for my life. Rent, utilities, insurance, groceries, transportation, and other necessities have continued to pile up. I find myself trying to balance paying for the care that saved my life with maintaining basic financial stability.

As a nurse, I am used to caring for others during their hardest moments. Asking for help is not easy for me, but right now I need support as I focus on healing and rebuilding my life.

Any contribution, no matter the amount, will go directly toward medical expenses, ongoing treatment, living costs, and helping me regain financial stability during this recovery. If you are unable to donate, sharing my fundraiser would mean just as much.

Your kindness, prayers, support, and generosity will help lift a burden I cannot carry alone. Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for caring, and for helping me through this difficult season.

With gratitude,

Kristen