A message from Diana:
For nearly 10 years, I have owned and operated my cleaning business — something I built completely from the ground up through hard work, determination, and pride in what I do. My business has supported me, my family, and helped me build meaningful relationships with hundreds of clients and Realtors throughout Portland.
About two years ago, my health began changing dramatically when I started experiencing serious issues with my uterus. I underwent surgery to remove a fallopian tube, and doctors hoped that would resolve the issue, but it didn’t. At one point, there were even concerns about possible ovarian cancer. Since then, I have spent over a year in and out of hospitals, ERs, and doctors’ offices trying to figure out what was happening to my body — all while continuing to work through excruciating pain every single day.
When you own your own business, if you don’t work, you don’t get paid. I do not qualify for most assistance programs, and that reality has been incredibly frightening while trying to manage my health. There were times I missed appointments because I was scared — scared of the unknown, but also scared of losing the career and stability I worked so hard to build.
Recently, while in Southern Oregon for work and visiting friends, I ended up in the emergency room. After returning to Portland and following up with my doctor, the decision was made that I now need a full hysterectomy. I even pushed my surgery date back because the original date fell the day before my son’s 21st birthday.
On top of everything, I am also dealing with ongoing GI issues that will need to be addressed after I recover from surgery. Right now, my main focus is getting through this hysterectomy safely and allowing my body the time it needs to heal properly.
My recovery will require me to be completely off work for at least 6 weeks, and I cannot lift anything over 20 pounds during that time. For someone who owns and operates a cleaning business, that means I physically cannot do my job.
I had savings set aside to help me through the past several months, but between medical expenses, everyday bills, and trying to keep my business afloat while battling ongoing health issues, those savings have almost completely disappeared. I have temporarily handed some of my clients off to trusted colleagues while I recover so they are still taken care of, but stepping away from the business I worked so hard to build has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.
I am incredibly proud of the business and relationships I have built over the years, and asking for help does not come easily to me. But right now, I am simply trying to survive these next several weeks without losing everything I have worked so hard for.
Any support — whether through donations, shares, prayers, or encouragement — truly means more than I can express. Thank you for helping me get through one of the hardest seasons of my life
