Help Me (and My Hamstring) Get Stronger

Not Exactly the "Hot Girl Summer" I Had in Mind

It takes a lot for me to ask for help. I pride myself on my tenacity and my ability to out-work any problem thrown my way. But this past year has tested every ounce of that resilience.

First, thank you. Since creating this fundraiser, your generosity, along with booking a few freelance gigs, has allowed me to cover my rent and essential bills for July. So far, $360 has been donated, and every dollar has made an immediate difference.

Unfortunately, my recovery timeline hasn’t changed. My doctors still want me to take it easy through July to avoid turning a partial tear into a complete rupture. Because of that, I’m keeping my fundraising goal where it is so I can stay afloat through August while I continue healing. If everything goes according to plan, I’ll be cleared to return to full work around the beginning of September—perfect timing for haunt season, when I normally return to scare acting and can finally start rebuilding my income.

Here’s how I got here.

After losing my full-time job to a corporate restructuring in favor of AI, I spent nine months applying to more than 300 jobs. Not just in my degree field—I applied for retail, sales, marketing, customer service, hospitality, veterinary care, and more. I was rejected or ghosted by nearly every one.

I survived on my side gigs, state unemployment benefits, and eventually my entire life savings. Now, that safety net is gone.

Instead of giving up, I pivoted. I built a freelance digital consulting and copywriting business while expanding my pet-sitting business. I wasn’t getting rich, but I was paying my bills and making it work.

Then, on June 2, 2026, everything changed.

After an amazing workout, during a simple cool-down stretch, I tore approximately 40% of my hamstring from the bone where it attaches beneath my glute. In an instant, I lost the ability to sit, stand, or walk for anywhere near the amount of time my work requires.

The recovery is expected to take several months, and there’s a real risk of a complete rupture if I push too hard. That means dramatically cutting back on pet sitting during what is normally my busiest and most profitable season.

At the same time, my last digital client contract ended. While I’m actively looking for new freelance work, I can currently only sit at a computer for short periods before I need to get up and rest, making it much harder to find secure new contracts.

Asking for financial help is incredibly humbling. It’s also something I hoped I’d never have to do. But after exhausting every other option, I’ve reached a point where I genuinely can’t get through this alone.

If you’d rather support me through work instead of a donation, let’s trade value. If you own a business (or know someone who does) I offer freelance digital marketing services, including website copywriting, email marketing, blog writing, social media strategy & management, and video editing. Whether you need someone to refresh your website, plan a content calendar, write a newsletter, or help grow your online presence, I’d love to help. I may have to work in shorter bursts while I recover, but I can absolutely still deliver high-quality work.

You can view my portfolio and services here: https://pmmedia.framer.website/

Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared, reached out, or simply cheered me on.