Compete/See my mother after 11 yrs
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Simone. I moved to the States from Cameroon at the age of 15, leaving my mother and my siblings back home. I have never been back home since, so it has been 11 long years since I last saw my mother and my brothers - one of which passed away shortly after I left Cameroon. Through the loss, I have tried diligently to establish a successful life here...one that makes me happy. I believe I’m on the right track, and I’m definitely still working hard on my path to fulfilment. The journey has been rough, and that relentless feeling of loss and incompleteness from being away from my mother for so long sometimes haunts me, but I continue to persevere.
Coming to the United States has been one of the biggest opportunities given to me. I’ve been able to work and to put myself through school to study biochemistry, through it all, ensuring that I continue to take care of my mother and siblings as best I can. I have also pursued my passion for fitness, and anyone who knows me, can testify that this one of the core components of my life. One of the biggest goals I have right now is to compete in the NPC fitness competition in November. I have competed 4 times so far, and I placed for nationals in my very first competition. My dream is to turn professional and one day step on the Olympia stage.
The whole process of competing is exhausting, and mentally and physically challenging. I can't count the number of times I’ve wanted to give up, but deep down inside I know I will never give up. I will continue to do it because it IS what makes me happy. I am mentally ready to take command of that stage again in November, but what stands in my way is the high financial demand that accompanies this experience.
A friend of mine advised me a while back to create an account here to raise funds for traveling back to Cameroon to see my mom. I didn't create it because I was too embarrassed to ask for help. But, I’ve now reached a place where I am humble enough to accept that it’s ok to be vulnerable and it’s ok to turn to your friends and loved ones for help. I do really need all the help and support that I can get. Seeing my mother again? I can't put a price on that. It's a moment that I'm dreaming of everyday. I figured Instead of traveling to Cameroon, my mother can travel instead. It will be surreal for her to see the states, even just for few weeks, it will be surreal for me to see her after all these years. Also...competing? This is what my heart yearns for. This is my dream.
I am hereby reaching out to you to help me make my dreams a reality...To fund a trip for my mother to the States and to compete in the AT NPC Eastern USA 2014 Championship and possibly at the Men's and Women's National Championships. These are two of the most valuable things to me right now and any help that I can receive from those who love and support me will have such a great impact on my life. I can’t even quantify the magnitude or sufficiently describe it with words. Nothing I can say will do justice to what I will feel in my heart. I will treasure this forever.
Thank you all in anticipation of your kindness and efforts.
Coming to the United States has been one of the biggest opportunities given to me. I’ve been able to work and to put myself through school to study biochemistry, through it all, ensuring that I continue to take care of my mother and siblings as best I can. I have also pursued my passion for fitness, and anyone who knows me, can testify that this one of the core components of my life. One of the biggest goals I have right now is to compete in the NPC fitness competition in November. I have competed 4 times so far, and I placed for nationals in my very first competition. My dream is to turn professional and one day step on the Olympia stage.
The whole process of competing is exhausting, and mentally and physically challenging. I can't count the number of times I’ve wanted to give up, but deep down inside I know I will never give up. I will continue to do it because it IS what makes me happy. I am mentally ready to take command of that stage again in November, but what stands in my way is the high financial demand that accompanies this experience.
A friend of mine advised me a while back to create an account here to raise funds for traveling back to Cameroon to see my mom. I didn't create it because I was too embarrassed to ask for help. But, I’ve now reached a place where I am humble enough to accept that it’s ok to be vulnerable and it’s ok to turn to your friends and loved ones for help. I do really need all the help and support that I can get. Seeing my mother again? I can't put a price on that. It's a moment that I'm dreaming of everyday. I figured Instead of traveling to Cameroon, my mother can travel instead. It will be surreal for her to see the states, even just for few weeks, it will be surreal for me to see her after all these years. Also...competing? This is what my heart yearns for. This is my dream.
I am hereby reaching out to you to help me make my dreams a reality...To fund a trip for my mother to the States and to compete in the AT NPC Eastern USA 2014 Championship and possibly at the Men's and Women's National Championships. These are two of the most valuable things to me right now and any help that I can receive from those who love and support me will have such a great impact on my life. I can’t even quantify the magnitude or sufficiently describe it with words. Nothing I can say will do justice to what I will feel in my heart. I will treasure this forever.
Thank you all in anticipation of your kindness and efforts.
Organizer
Simone Valentine
Organizer
The Bronx, NY
