BasketsOutOfHardships

Growing up in rural Southwest Virginia in poverty my mother taught me never to give up, and she taught me how to survive. By Gods grace I was able to finish not one but two college degrees. Circumstances led to two failed marriages and 4 talented children born to those unions. Life happens.  In 2019 my mother went on hospice care in my home with 3 weeks to live and made it 9 great months. During that time the idea of gift baskets was born. Loved ones would come by with fruit baskets and baskets with socks and candy and it gave her so much joy., I registered the name Queen City Gift Baskets in hopes to one day do something with it. Over the course of the next 3 years my dream was delayed in child custody court financially crippling me with legal fees.  On the day after the hearing I suffered a stroke and 6 months later survived double pulmonary embolism for the 2nd time.  ( Blood clots in my lungs).  I was put on short term disability and later lost my full time job.  From May until now I have been supporting my family of 5 with the generosity of personal loans, food, and clothing gifts from family and friends, making uber eats deliveries and substitute teaching part time. Add to that my abdomen contains two fibroids 13cm and 6cm which doctors cannot remove due to the mortality risk of my blood clotting history.  I look 9 months pregnant and have been turned down for no less than 40 jobs even after multiple interviews.  I have always had a bit of personal pride and would never be one to " air my dirty laundry" or put my personal business on display however the harsh circumstances of life have made it necessary to ask for the generosity of strangers, friends, and family.  I would like to be able to use the business Queen City Gift Baskets as a means to provide for my family and make current all the financial obligations owed to those who have assisted the past few months.  I am a planner and believe in hard work.  For those who know me I have always been a very driven and positive person. I ask that as I go through this life test of mine you will not only find it in your budget to donate something regardless of the amount but also to pass along this fundraiser to your friends and loved ones as well. Thanks in advance. Th