I never imagined I would create a fundraiser asking strangers for help.
I’m a private person, and asking for financial assistance is incredibly uncomfortable for me. I’ve always believed in working hard, taking care of my responsibilities, and figuring things out myself.
Caregiving has been part of my life for many years, spanning generations. I care for my grandchildren, including infants, while also helping care for a much-elderly parent who is in her late 90’s. I also help care for and support my sister, who is facing cancer. I am fully part of what is often called the “sandwich generation,” caring for family members at very different stages of life while also trying to keep my own life and financial future afloat.
When my sister became ill, the weight of our family’s caregiving responsibilities changed dramatically. I no longer had the same support I had relied on to share that burden, and much more of the responsibility fell on me. What had already been a significant part of my life became a 24/7, 365-day-a-year responsibility. I ultimately stepped away from my work and income to be there for the people who needed me.
I don’t regret being there for the people I love. But carrying this level of responsibility for so long has taken an enormous amount of time, energy, and financial sacrifice. It has drained me in ways I never anticipated. After doing my best to keep everything going, I have reached a point where I need help.
I’m still in the middle of this chapter. I’m trying to care for my family while also rebuilding a financial foundation for myself. Part of that means finding a way to restart my own income and begin building a business of my own—something I can develop alongside my caregiving responsibilities working it into the time and flexibility for what my life allows-something that can eventually provide a sustainable source of income and greater financial independence.
I’m not simply asking someone to carry me through this. I’m asking for enough breathing room to recover from years of financial strain, continue caring for the people who need me, and begin rebuilding something of my own.
After years of putting everyone else’s needs first, I’m finally allowing myself to ask for help. This would give me meaningful breathing room while I continue my caregiving responsibilities and work toward rebuilding my financial independence.
The funds will help with essential household expenses, getting back on solid financial footing, creating a small financial cushion, and providing the initial resources and breathing room I need to begin building my own business and a sustainable source of income.
If you choose to contribute, whether it’s $10, $50, $500, or more, please know that you aren’t simply helping with a bill. You’re giving me something I desperately need right now: breathing room and the opportunity to rebuild.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. And thank you to anyone who is able to help me through this chapter.
