Hi, I’m Victoria! I’m a 30 year old grad student pursuing my MSW. As someone who’s been to hell and back with both mental and physical health, I’m pursuing a degree that allows me to be a greater force for change in the lives of those who need it.
I’ve had my fair share of near death experiences, traumas, and challenges. No matter what, I’ve always managed to come out on top. The concept of quitting doesn’t exist in my world. One foot in front of the other, one step at a time, just keep swimming — whatever mantra you use, I’ve probably said it to myself through gritted teeth while white-knuckling whatever life throws at me.
I truly believe that everything I’ve been through has helped me grow into a person that I am proud to be. And the only reason I’ve made it this far is the support of others. My mom, my grandparents, my friends, my family have all taken on financial and emotional loads to help keep me alive. And I’ve fought tooth and nail to make it worth it.
Which brings me to today’s issue. I broke my jaw in February, also fracturing a tooth. For months now I have had constant headaches, facial pain, repeated sinus infections (that ended up just being one 8 month long infection), and exhaustion. Only recently did we finally get answers. The fractured tooth is leaking fluid into my sinus cavity causing a sinus infection. The tooth will take multiple rounds of root therapy with the endodontist to fix (if they can save it) and I will then need to undergo sinus surgery to get me relief from the fluid and infection. We’ve tried antibiotics, Flonase, all the things and we’ve arrived at the final destination - surgery.
I’m in graduate school. I work three part time jobs on top of an unpaid internship, classes, schoolwork, and two high energy dogs. All of that on top of a medical condition that is literally draining the life out of me. My level of exhaustion goes beyond clinical. It is a 8 month long infection my body has been trying to overcome. Nothing makes me more uncomfortable than asking for help, but at this point I have no choice. I’ve spent $6,000 in the last 3 weeks with another $5,000 to go (at least). Every penny I make goes towards medical bills, and it still isn’t enough. I cannot continue on this path, and I am out of options.
If you’ve read this far, thank you. You are under no obligation to donate. Thank you for hearing a snippet of my story. If you’re able, please share the link to spread the word.
