Dear Donors,
Thank you for taking a moment to read my story.
I never imagined that I would one day have to ask strangers for help. To be honest, it is one of the hardest things I have ever done. I have always believed in working hard, being independent, and taking responsibility for my own life. However, I have reached a point where I have no other choice but to reach out with hope.
I am a woman who has never been married. I lost both of my parents when I was very young, and from that time onward, I had to build my life through determination, courage and hard work.
By 2009, I had achieved the life I had worked so hard for. I had a stable career, a good income and employment benefits. Alongside my full-time profession, I also worked as a voice artist and presented radio and television programmes. I loved my work and believed my future was secure.
Then, without any warning, everything changed.
I suffered a blood clot in my brain. My right arm and right leg became paralysed, and I even lost the ability to speak properly. For someone whose career depended on creativity, communication and the use of my right hand, this was devastating.
In a single moment, I lost not only my health, but also my profession, my income and my independence.
After a long and difficult recovery, I was fortunate to regain much of my physical ability. Although my right leg still gives me difficulties, I can stand and walk again, and for that I am truly grateful.
However, recovering my health did not restore the life I had lost.
Seventeen years have passed since my illness, yet I have never been able to secure permanent employment again. Today, I survive through freelance work whenever opportunities arise, but the income is irregular and far from enough to meet my financial responsibilities.
During my illness, every rupee I had saved was spent on medical treatment and daily living expenses. For many years since 2009, some of my closest friends supported me generously with hundreds of thousands of rupees. I am deeply grateful for their kindness, but I could not continue to depend on them forever or become a further burden on them.
With no other option, I eventually turned to borrowing money at high interest rates. I borrowed money at monthly interest rates of 10% and 12%, hoping it would only be temporary.
Instead, one loan led to another, until I was borrowing simply to pay the interest on previous loans. Before long, I found myself trapped in a cycle of debt from which I could no longer escape.
Today, the burden of these loans and accumulated interest has become overwhelming. I need approximately LKR 2,000,000 (around USD 6,000) to clear these debts and finally begin again.
This support would not give me a life of luxury. It would simply free me from overwhelming financial pressure and allow me to rebuild my life with dignity, hope and peace of mind.
I am not asking for pity. I am asking for a second chance.
If you are able to support me, no matter how small the contribution, your kindness will bring me one step closer to a future where I can live without the constant fear of debt and continue rebuilding my life with hope.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Whether or not you are able to help, I am deeply grateful for your time, your compassion and your kindness.
With sincere gratitude,
God bless you.
N, R.