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I was only 12 when my father passed away from chronic kidney failure caused by diabetes. At an age when most kids were playing, studying, and simply enjoying childhood, my life looked very different. I spent my days accompanying my father to the hospital. My memories from those times are still so vivid, like me carrying a thermostat, an electric fan, a pillow, and a bag through the halls of a public hospital because we couldn’t afford private care.

Looking back, I think that’s where my story truly began.

When I was in second year high school, I remember waking up one day with my eyes completely red. My aunt brought me to the hospital to have it checked, and it happened to be my birthday. The doctor told me I was prone to sickness. I can still remember trying so hard to forget what he said because I wanted to enjoy my birthday like any normal kid.

Growing up, I was always in a hurry to become an adult. I wanted to work as soon as possible so I could earn money. As a child who rarely got to experience buying even small things that made me happy, that became my motivation.

By 20 years old, I started working. My mindset was simple: just work, work, work. Earn, earn, earn.

Then in 2017, life took another turn. What started as a simple fever turned into tests showing I had high glucose levels, even though I was not someone who loved sweets. On May 1, 2017, I underwent surgery to remove my appendix. Five days later, I went home with a diagnosis of diabetes and slightly elevated creatinine levels.

I remember feeling like my world was crashing, but life had to go on.

I kept working, even though I was afraid to face another doctor. But in 2019, I finally went in for a check up and learned that I already had serious chronic kidney failure. My creatinine was at 189.

Today, I live with both diabetes and chronic kidney disease. And while the journey has not been easy, I hold on to hope. I hope that one day, I will be able to afford a kidney transplant and live a healthier and fuller life.

I also became a financial advisor for a very personal reason. I have seen what it looks like when a family faces illness without financial protection. I know the fear, the uncertainty, and the helplessness. That is why I joined this industry, to help others be prepared for the moments no one expects but everyone deserves to face with dignity and support.

This is my story.A story of pain, resilience, faith, and purpose.I am here because I want to turn everything I have been through into something meaningful for myself and for others.

And yes, if you meet me in person, you would never guess that I am a spoonie. Before, I used to describe myself as a sick person, but now I prefer the term spoonie. It feels gentler, cuter, and makes this journey feel a little lighter.