My name is Talisha, and I’m asking for help to finish saving my life. When I was a little girl, I ate to hide my pain. I was lonely, hurt, and bullied every day because of my size. People laughed at me, called me names, and I cried myself to sleep many nights. Food became my only friend. As I got older, I became very sick and almost 400 pounds. My doctor told me my heart might stop if I didn’t change. That scared me so much that I decided to fight for my life. I worked hard I cried, I sweated, I kept going even when it hurt. I lost over 200 pounds. I did it. I fought my way back. But now, I have a new pain all the extra skin left behind. My arms, legs, and chest hurt every day. The skin burns, pulls, and makes it hard to move. I feel trapped in a body that doesn’t show how far I’ve come. I’ve come so close to the finish line, but I can’t cross it alone. I don’t have family or friends who can help. That’s why I’m here asking for kindness from people like you. This surgery isn’t about looks. It’s about being free being able to move, to live without pain, to finally feel proud when I look in the mirror. Even if you can only give a little, please know it means a lot. Every dollar, every share, every kind word brings me closer to healing. Thank you for reading my story. Thank you for caring. You could be the reason I finally get to live the life I’ve fought for since I was a little girl. With love, Talisha