My name is Talisha, and this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do — to put my story out there and ask for help.

Since the age of 10, I have battled with my weight, not because I wanted to, but because of a traumatic childhood that left me turning to food for comfort. I didn’t have a strong family bond, I didn’t have real friends, and every time I thought I did, it ended in disappointment. At school, I faced constant bullying because of my size. Boys ignored me, no one ever asked me to a dance, and I avoided mirrors because I couldn’t stand the person looking back at me. I hated myself, and I felt completely alone.

As I grew older, the weight only piled on, along with serious health problems. At one point, I was nearly 400 pounds. My doctor warned me that if I continued on this path, my heart would give out — and with heart disease already running in my family, I knew it was only a matter of time. That was the turning point. I knew I had to fight for my life.

I made changes. I worked harder than I ever thought possible. I went from 389 pounds down to 150 — and I’m still pushing toward my goal of 125. It has been a long, painful, and emotional journey. I want more than anything to finally live, not just exist.

But while I’ve lost the weight, I’m now left with something I can’t change on my own: excess skin. My insurance covered a panniculectomy due to painful skin tears, but I am still burdened with so much loose skin on my arms, thighs, and chest. My arms burn and chafe, the skin on my thighs makes movement painful, and my breasts hang heavily with no elasticity left, causing me daily pain and discomfort. Beyond the physical struggles, it makes me incredibly self-conscious. Even after working so hard to save my life, I’m still trapped inside a body that doesn’t feel like mine.

I don’t have family or friends who can step in to help financially. That is why I’m reaching out to you — to anyone with compassion in their heart — to please consider donating. Every contribution, no matter how small, is a step closer to me finally being free from the weight and pain of this extra skin.

This surgery isn’t about vanity — it’s about healing fully, physically and emotionally. It’s about being able to look in the mirror and finally see the strong, determined woman I’ve fought so hard to become.

From the bottom of my heart, I ask you — please help me make this dream a reality. Your donation could be the gift that allows me to finally live the life I have been fighting for since I was a child.

With all my gratitude,

Talisha