I was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2002 and my personal pandemic began in 2018. I decided to remove my systemic birth control because I exceeded the number of years where it was “safe to be on it”. I removed it in March, and by May, I had my first menstrual cycle in 5 years. The endometriosis began running rampant and by October I was barely able to walk and was unable to cook for myself. During this time I was severely gaslighted by the medical community. For example, a medical professional told me they were asking me the same questions because “they wanted to make sure I wasn’t drug seeking” (he said this even with my medical records in his hand). But I was drug seeking. I wanted relief from living in unimaginable pain from May of 2018 to October of 2018. I was almost relieved when I was diagnosed with pelvic floor dysfunction, adenomyosis, and interstitial cystitis. I cannot express to you how painful it was to exist with each of the four conditions simultaneously. By the end of my appointment my surgery was scheduled and I had hoped that my life would return back to normal. It did not. There was a point where I was taking up to twenty-seven pills a day for pain and to manage my symptoms that did not go away with the surgeries (I needed an emergency surgery on my intestines in 2018). I am still healing from these conditions and in 2021 began having problems with my intestines. I invested in seeing a naturopathic doctor in 2022. I'd just begun my treatment plan when I was hospitalized for vertigo. I was so committed to my healing I would pay $80 roundtrip to Uber to the doctor, twice a month, and pay a minimum of $400 for my treatments and natural supplements. I did this until I couldn’t afford it anymore.  

I’ve noticed a difference in my health since I’ve stopped my natural treatments. One of which is that I’m usually dizzy, have chronic pain and fatigue. My vertigo symptoms have increased drastically, so much so that I am dizzy or lightheaded quite frequently. I didn’t think much of it in March (2023) until I lost consciousness making myself a snack. When I passed out, I did so in a house with a concrete foundation. I came to when my head hit the pavement the second time. I was dazed and I am still healing from the impact of the concussion. I have tests scheduled to get to the bottom of why I passed out in the first place. In the meantime, I am struggling with migraines and doing my best to remain stress free. 

I’ve always been proud of how much I’ve poured into my family, my company, Priceless Incite, and the communities we serve, including youth. I’m also proud to know that I am connected to some incredible people who have heard my call for support in the past and have contributed in ways that made sense for them. I am asking for your support for both my personal healing journey ($10K) and the sustainability of Priceless Incite ($25K).

The truth is I am living a nightmare for any founder who has dared to change the things she cannot accept. I've bootstrapped Priceless Incite since its creation. I believe in healing deeply and authentically. I am passionate about helping youth process their painful experience and transforming its lesson in ways that make sense for their lives. I have not made over $25k a year in my years as Priceless Incite’s CEO. I thought I was supposed to struggle to do this work. The financial strain of bootstrapping has left me with a lot of mental, physical, emotional, and financial healing to do. I need help shifting this nightmare into my wildest dreams. This includes removing the barriers to my healing so that when I am able to move forward, I can do so without closing my business and having debt and medical barriers hanging over my head.  

I envision Priceless Incite continuing to create spaces for deep healing to occur on a national level. In service of this vision, we are in immediate need of financial donations.

To keep the doors open at Priceless Incite, you can donate  through the following:

Cashapp: $Aispriceless 

Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/annikaleonard

Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pricelessincite  

Zelle: My personal number 4147508826

Zelle: Pricelessincite@outlook.com

Checks or Money Orders: Priceless Incite LLC. 

Your donations are tax deductible and as a gift for your donation, you will receive an update of where your donation was used and a token of our deep gratitude. For those interested in receiving a gift, please provide your mailing information at the donation site you choose. Your gifts support three Priceless Incite staff, national programming and general operating costs.

The truth is I should have done this a while ago, and I shouldn’t have let feelings of embarrassment or shame stop me from getting the help I deserve as someone who has done what every Black woman is socialized to do. I sacrificed myself, my health and so much more in service to my community. In my mind, I imagine the reactions of folks I’ve engaged in my work and what they would think as they read my social media posts that would appear as if I am irresponsible with money and all the other things folks say to demonize those in need. I have self funded for years. The truth is, that I am asking from a place of bravery, transparency, and vulnerability. I am finally ready to speak my truth and prayerfully get the help I need to sustain myself and my company while I continue my healing journey. I am deeply grateful to my community, and for the love I have always received from you. I thank you again.

Annika Leonard