Story

A Bridge to Stability After Stroke

After a stroke left me with physical limitations, I’ve struggled to maintain stable work and stay financially afloat. This fundraiser is to help me regain basic stability and keep going.

Hi, my name is M.

Four years ago, I had a stroke. At the time, it was described as a small aneurysm in my brain, which was treated with a balloon procedure. I was told everything was fine, and for a while, it seemed like it was. I recovered and carried on with my life, believing I had come through the worst of it.

Not long after that, during the COVID period, I was retrenched from my job. Like many people at the time, finding new work was extremely difficult, and opportunities were very limited.

A few months later, I experienced another serious medical event. The doctors didn’t formally call it a stroke, but I lost movement on the right-hand side of my body. It was frightening and completely unexpected. I went through physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and while I’ve made progress, I’ve been left with lasting physical limitations that make working consistently very difficult.

I live alone. I’m not married and I don’t have children, but I do have two dogs and two cats who depend on me and mean the world to me. I do everything I can to care for them responsibly, and they are a constant source of comfort and companionship.

I teach English online, which helps cover my rent, electricity, and basic food. I live very simply — I don’t eat out or spend on extras — but even with that, it isn’t enough to cover everything I need in order to live and recover with some stability.

I’ve done my best to stay independent and keep going, but I’ve reached the limit of what I can manage on my own. I’m now in a position where I need help to stay afloat and regain some balance in my life.

If you’re able to donate or share this campaign, I would be deeply grateful. Even small acts of kindness make a real difference and help me keep moving forward.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any support you’re able to offer.

With appreciation,
M.