09/10/2025
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. Survivors’ Chronicles
Growing up in a tumultuous environment with my mother’s struggles shaped a challenging childhood. By 13, I was introduced to substance use, and after conflicts at home, I was kicked out, feeling abandoned. At 15, I became pregnant by a man five years older, seeking stability but finding toxicity instead. Despite his support, his illegal activities and behavior weren’t the role model I wanted for my kids. By the time my second child was born, we had separated, leaving me to raise my children alone.
Over the years, we moved across five states, but I vowed stability for my oldest son when he started kindergarten. During my pregnancy with my youngest, a prescription for pain medication led to a decade-long addiction. Starting with small doses, my tolerance grew, and by 2014, I was heavily dependent, using substances regularly while still working, studying, and parenting. From the outside, it seemed under control, but it wasn’t. My addiction led to losing custody of my youngest son, deepening my shame.
In 2019, living in a rundown camper in remote Alaska, I hit rock bottom, wrestling with relapse and guilt over facing my family and treatment counselor. A traumatic moment became a turning point, leading to a life-threatening incident that landed me in Harborview’s burn unit in Seattle with 80% burns and a 5% chance of survival. After 30 surgeries, months in a coma, and relearning to walk, talk, and eat, I emerged with a new perspective.
The compassion of the burn unit’s nurses and surgeons carried me through anger and despair. Today, I’m rebuilding my life, focusing on sobriety and my children. My message to anyone struggling: don’t be afraid to reach out. Tell a friend, “I need 10 minutes to share what I’m facing.” Having someone sit with you in the darkness is more powerful than you know. Community can light the way to healing. 💙
