Preserve a Life in Service
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
I reach out to you today with a sincere and urgent appeal, trusting in Allah ﷻ and the compassion of this beautiful Ummah.
I am an Indigenous Muslim woman and a convert to Islam, known in my community for my dedication to dawah, service, arts and justice. Over the years, I have worked tirelessly in support of refugees, Indigenous rights, and the liberation of Palestine. Even while quietly battling a chronic, life-threatening illness, I never let go of my commitment to uplift others and advocate for peace, liberation, and justice.
But now, I must turn that same energy inward toward preserving my own life. And I cannot do it alone.
What many may not know is I was born with a congenital heart defect that required open-heart surgery at the age of five. Since then, my life has been marked by ongoing medical hardship and continuous tests of patience and resilience. Five years ago, while serving as a preschool teacher and dedicating myself to nurturing young hearts in the community, I suffered a severe medical emergency that changed everything. After extensive testing, I was diagnosed with a rare, incurable condition that has led to congestive heart failure. My heart is pumping in overtime as if I'm running a marathon every single day leading to both organ and extreme physical fatigue.
Today, I live with daily struggles: I am medically disabled, require oxygen support and a heart monitoring device, none of which are covered by my insurance. Budget cuts to healthcare have left me in an extremely vulnerable state, and I am in desperate need of consistent medical care to stay alive. Without continued treatment and specialist care, my life is at serious risk.
I was orphaned at a young age and do not have the blessing of parents to lean on. With no one else to turn to, I am reaching out to my brothers and sisters in faith.
Allah ﷻ tells us in the Qur’an:
"And whoever saves one life, it is as if he had saved mankind entirely."
(Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:32)
And our beloved Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever relieves a believer's distress, Allah will relieve his distress on the Day of Judgment.”
(Sahih Muslim)
With full humility and vulnerability, I am asking for your support to help cover urgent medical expenses: oxygen support, monitoring equipment, ongoing holistic treatments, and to allow me to remain under the care of physicians that I so desperately need.
Your kindness today could preserve a life that has been dedicated to serving others insha'Allah.
If you are unable to give, I humbly ask you to make du‘a for me, and to share my campaign with others.
May Allah reward you abundantly in both this life and the next.
May He heal all those who are ill, grant ease to every struggling soul, and accept from us all.
With heartfelt gratitude and hope,
~Ashley W.
A sister in need
Post Open Heart Surgery
Journey to Islam
