Dear Dunkin' Donuts Team,
My name is Kathy Simmons, and I live in Meriden, CT. I have been a regular customer for years, but since April of 2024, I have become a daily Dunkin' enthusiast, whether at home or visiting family in Nashville, TN. I have a truly remarkable story that I want to share with you.
A little background about me: In 1998, when I was 28, my life was turned upside down. My mother was tragically killed, and just two months later, I found my father after he had taken his own life. This immense trauma, coupled with a history of physical, sexual, mental, and emotional abuse, pushed me toward drugs and alcohol. I began using drugs in 2002 and alcohol in 2004.
Fast forward 14 years, and I finally made the courageous decision to get clean and sober. On October 18, 2024, I will be celebrating a huge milestone--10 years clean and sober! I now work voluntarily as a Certified Recovery Coach, helping women in recovery. I never charge for my services, as this work is my passion and calling. I also founded a Facebook group called Women Helping Women in Recovery, which just celebrated its one-year anniversary on September 6, 2024. We hold three weekly Zoom meetings, and I am incredibly grateful for the second chance at life I've been given.
Now, you may be wondering how Dunkin' plays a role in my story. Last year, just before Thanksgiving, I received devastating news: despite 9 years of sobriety, my liver was failing due to cirrhosis. It was a crushing blow, but I resolved to fight and do everything in my power to get better. As I researched ways to support my liver health, I kept coming across one surprising piece of advice--drink coffee.
So, in April of this year, I started making daily trips to Dunkin'. Around the same time, I had blood work done, and my ALT liver enzyme levels were at a high 34. However, just two days ago, I received incredible news: my liver is improving, and my ALT levels have dropped to 21, which is within the healthy range! I confirmed the results with my doctors--my liver is working better, and I believe Dunkin's coffee has played a key role in this improvement.
I've made only one significant change since April: daily Dunkin' iced coffee--my favorite being a large mocha with a shot of espresso. However, I am on disability and only bring in $943 per month, so the daily coffee habit, which costs around $6 each day, is becoming difficult to afford. I am writing to ask if Dunkin' would consider donating to help support my journey to better health.
Beyond the coffee, I have also been battling gastroparesis, a condition where my stomach struggles to push food through to the intestines. Before my coffee habit, I was throwing up daily, but Dunkin's coffee has been the one thing that helps settle my stomach. It may seem like a small thing, but Dunkin's coffee has truly changed the quality of my life.
Regardless of whether or not you're able to help, I wanted to share my story to show how something as simple as daily coffee can have a profound impact. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. I hope it inspires others to find strength in small joys. I truly appreciate Dunkin', and I am deeply grateful.
God bless you!
Warmest regards,
Kathy Simmons read more
