Hi, I'm Renata, and I'm looking for help paying off debt to loan sharks.

Twenty-four years ago, I ran away from my husband with three little girls, first to a shelter for women victims of violence, and after that, I quickly found a job and an apartment as a tenant and raised my three daughters.

There is one debt left from my ex-husband, which I, unfortunately, signed and I have to pay back.

The debt was sold to debt collectors by the bank and they are charging me interest, but if I pay in one lump sum, they will remove almost half of the interest. I have been paying only interest for years, and I can't move the principal.

I've been trying to endure all the hardships of being a single mom for years, but it's not easy.

After my girls grew up, I moved to my parents' weekend house and live there in peace. I don't have a facade yet and it gets cold in the winter, and I simply can't save up that much money on my own.

I have my own small business, I help women get out of their emotional holes and I am a dance teacher, teaching basic ballet and contemporary dance. This debt is a huge burden on me. If they block me, I can't work anymore. No way.

I am grateful for every day and every gift, and I hope to give back to the community in ways that I can help as well.

Renata