My mom adopted me and raised me as a single mother. I have cerebral palsy, and when I was just two years old, she retired so she could give me the best chance possible to overcome obstacles and build as independent a life as I could.
She spent my childhood fighting for me, caring for me, and helping me become as independent as possible.
Her love and dedication shaped who I am today.
Since the end of January, though, both of our lives have been turned upside down by one emergency after another.
In just a few months:
Mom developed a serious UTI that put her in the hospital for about two weeks, followed by about three weeks in rehabilitation.
She was hospitalized a second time after a fall, severe pain, weakness, confusion, and episodes of nearly passing out.
Doctors ruled out a stroke but discovered that one carotid artery in her neck is completely blocked and the other is significantly narrowed.
Our air conditioner broke during the summer. The repair was originally about $1,600, but the company kindly reduced it to $600. A former neighbor paid it so we wouldn't be left in the heat, and we still owe them $600.
Both of our bank accounts were compromised in an account takeover, forcing us to secure new accounts, dispute unauthorized transactions, and change our payment information.
We have fallen about two months behind on household bills, and the credit cards we used to keep us afloat are now maxed out.
And now, our refrigerator has broken. The service call alone is $99 before any repair costs, and we may have to replace it.
Through all of this, I am also managing cerebral palsy and significant physical limitations of my own. There are many things around our home that I physically cannot do without assistance, so as Mom has become less able to do the things she once did, everyday life has become increasingly difficult for both of us.
We live on a very limited income, and after months of medical problems, financial setbacks, and household emergencies, we simply don't have anything left to fall back on.
We are trying to raise $4,000 to help us with:
Refrigerator repair or replacement
The $600 we still owe for the AC repair
About two months of overdue household bills
Basic household necessities
Helping both of us regain some stability after everything that has happened
I know $4,000 is a lot, and we don't expect any one person to solve everything for us. Even $5 or $10 helps us get a little closer to breathing again.
For most of my life, Mom and I have taken care of each other in different ways. Right now, we're simply trying to keep our home stable, take care of each other, and get back on our feet after a year that has knocked us down again and again.
If you're able to donate, share our fundraiser, or keep us in your thoughts and prayers, we would be deeply grateful.
Thank you for reading our story and for any kindness you can give us. ❤️
