Support Omega's Journey to Vocal Healing

Hello there. This is something I knew I would need to do but it's never easy to do.

My name is Omega Jones. I am 32 years of age. Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, life has had it's ups and downs but perseverance is my middle name. I've gotten through a life that the universe sought to end sooner than it could. I've battled trials and tribulations every step of the way but I've only gotten stronger because of it.

Music and performance was something that keep my head above when the world wanted it to fail. I think of my grandmother, my aunt, and so many more who instilled a sense of pride within me when it comes to musical artistry. My voice has quite literally saved me from self-destruction in many different ways. From singing in choir as a small child to now being a professional musical theatre actor, my voice has quite literally been my livelihood and it's something that means a lot to me.

But like with all things, there's an event that seeks to challenge your willpower and desire to go on.

For me... and potentially many of us... it was the Pandemic.

It has done so much to many individuals but for me, it attacked the one thing that I thought was indestructible.

My voice.

For context, I was a legitimate soprano until sophomore year of high school. Then life happened and my voice shifted to the tenor range I am now known for. Before the pandemic, I had a 4 1/2 octave range with Tenor 1 being my main vocal part for many shows and performances I have done.

For reference, the photo below is me as the Queen of Hearts in Metro Theatre Company's Wonderland: Alice's Rock and Roll Adventure. My vocal track went higher than many of the ladies and femmes in the show. That was how comfortable I was vocally.

The vocal damage that has been done to me after COVID attacked my body unfortunately is more major than I could have expected. I no longer have the vocal stamina and endurance I used to have. I can barely sustain a song before my voice gives out. I have noticed a clear vocal downfall between 2020 and 2024, even more apparent between the end of 2022 to now.

I cannot afford to lose the one thing that keep me going.

I cannot afford to be voiceless and no longer sing.

At risk of being overdramatic, it would break me.

I am finally seeking the help of an ENT. Someone that will be able to finally diagnose what has happened to me so I start a journey of vocal healing. But during the Pandemic, I made the choice to become a full time content creator. Unfortunately, that does not come with benefits. I currently do not have any insurance that could help with these needs. Lack of insurance has been the primary reason I haven't made the leap to get this handled.

But the more I wait, the worst it inevitably shall get.

So, I am seeking help.

From the research I have done, the current goal of $5000 will assist with initial visits and at least the first surgeries I may need, if it comes down to that. I would rather be ultimately safe than sorry. There is a chance I won't need the full but then that would go toward recovery needs. There is also a chance it could be a LOT more expensive than this... so anything that exceeds the goal will, again, go towards those needs.

I cannot thank you all enough for your kindness. It means so much to me and I hope you understand exactly what you are doing for me. Music and singing is my life. Without it, again at the risk of being overdramatic, I might as well not exist. It is my ultimate calling and I want to be vocal healthy again.

Thank you,

Omega Jones.