Since October 2025, my world has turned upside down. I was thriving as a dental assistant, but my health started to unravel with swollen lymph nodes and extreme fatigue, leading to a drastic 15-pound weight loss because eating was almost impossible. My job waited bravely, but eventually, I had to let it go. As if my own struggles weren't enough, my husband also fell sick and was placed on short-term disability, leaving us in a precarious position. Without any income, we moved in with a parent who is on a limited income. Every day feels like wading through quicksand as medical bills stack up, and dinner becomes a puzzle of affordability and necessity.
The mounting pressure has felt endless, especially after a recent surgery on May 15th meant to address my ongoing health problems didn’t go as planned. Now, I'm bedridden, facing the uncertainty of possibly needing another procedure. Meanwhile, the emotional toll of these experiences has been considerable; depression looms heavily on both me and my husband. Each day is a challenge, trying to hold onto hope and dignity amidst these trying times, but thinking of our future and finding strength in small moments keeps us going.
