Hello, I feel a bit embarrassed asking for help, but I have no other choice. Perhaps my story will convince you to donate whatever amount you wish. Please take five minutes to read my story. I was born in 1997 on a day in July, into a family that appeared perfect on the outside…but in reality it was a nightmare: a sister abused by a violent father for years, a drunkard who beat us almost every day, a mother now disabled. We ran away from home, travelling around Italy from house to house to escape my father’s terror; we stayed in foster homes and shelters, ate at Caritas and other charities...We lived without hot water or gas... we wore clothes that weren’t ours... But nothing stopped us! I worked hard from a young age and did everything! From waiter to labourer, to delivery boy, to front-of-house receptionist, warehouse worker, and electrician’s assistant... I went to school too, and though it was a struggle, I got a diploma in Accounting! I always tried to give my mum hope; I paid for my driving licence myself and cycled to work, then I saved up and bought a car... Mum, on her disability pension of 280 euros, helped me out, but she had many health problems, such as paralysis in one arm, needing a pacemaker, and undergoing a transplant after years and years of dialysis. I’ve always done what I could, getting up every day... with no family... no friends and... no love to speak of... but now... I can’t go on... I’m in a dark limbo... with psychiatric help... I’m on my knees and can’t get back up... the bills are overwhelming me and the debts are piling up...I can’t be strong... I have no friends... no family... nothing... yet I wake up every day and try to keep going... I don’t smoke, I don’t take drugs and I don’t drink alcohol. I don’t give in to certain temptations. Asking for charity is the last resort... it’s something I’d never do... yet... here I am.I have so much to say—perhaps I could talk for years—but I remain silent... the amount I’m asking for is to catch my breath... to breathe... to pay the bills, do the shopping, service the car and set some aside... to breathe so I can recover and get back on my feet! To go back to looking for work! Once the bills are paid, I’ll go back to handing out CVs with my head held high! The amount... I don’t know if it’s a lot or a little, but for me... it’s the way to breathe, pay my bills and carry on with my heart on my sleeve... and for what it’s worth... I say thank you. Thank you and I’m sorry... if you want to get in touch and ask me for more, even just to have a chat... feel free to do so.