I Just Need a Little Help

Hi, my name is Chickie Dimain. I am born and raised in Jacksonville Florida. Some of you may know me as DaBuh from DaBuh.com. I have struggled with the idea of creating this funding request because I know there are so many other people out there who are struggling and have worse problems than that of myself or that of my family. To be honest, I am actually ashamed for even doing this but at the same time feel I have no other place to turn. I remain positive and upbeat about my situation. As the old saying goes, you can't keep a good man down.

The profile pic you see is that of my mother who is currently in a rehab facility. I have been taking care of her full-time, at home, for over 3 years now. We are currently in the process of converting her into long term care facility. My father passed away 20 plus years ago. Before my father passed, I made a vow to him that I would always take care of my mother. I have done so to the best of my ability. My father always addressed my mother as Mi-Vida which in Spanish means the love of my life. 

13 years ago, back when times were good, pre-recession, I also found the love of my life. I got married, bought my mother a small home in Old San Jose and started my own business. Then just a few short years later, boom, the recession hit, I lost everything. 5 rental properties, my business and ultimately ended up costing me my marriage and I ended up bankrupt.

During that process I was also about to loose the home I bought for my mother to the foreclosure process. I was the one making the mortgage payments. The little bit of income my mother received through my fathers military retirement and her social security was enough to keep the lights on and food on the table. Through the power of prayer and the grace of god we were able to stop the foreclosure by filing a quit claim deed and converting it to a reverse mortgage. The mortgage payment then went away and again the little income she received there was enough to keep things going. The one caveat to a reverse mortgage is you have to pay taxes and insurance separate. They don't escrow it. We were able to do that for a while but that too has since caught up to us. We have now been foreclosed on. For those unaware, this is a widespread problem for the elderly. Thousands across the country are being forced to the street for non payment of taxes and insurance. Living month to month, many fail to save up for that yearly commitment and Duval County is one of the worse in the nation. We are currently in the eviction process and have just a few short days in which to get out. Fortunately my mother is where she is and is being well cared for. Unfortunately I have broken my promise to my father.

For those who visit my website DaBuh.com and follow our forecast my bankruptcy has actually been a blessing in disguise. I often times joke and say I'm back to being a true surfer with no job and no credit :)  It has allowed me to stay at home the last three years taking care of my mom and at the same time providing you with the latest surf forecast while continuing to hone my skill. What I haven't been able to do is generate an income from it.  Although the website looks as it has paid sponsors, it does not. I will be actively looking for those here in the near future. The only monies I've received for all of my efforts in keeping you up to date on the forecast through the website and social media has been through limited donations from our most loyal followers. I have been unemployed for three years while I have been taking care of my mother. I would like to continue with my forecast. I feel I am at a crossroad with it and good things are coming. Recently I've had the unique honor of having Jim Cantore of the Weather Channel, and the Director of the National Hurricane Center follow us on Twitter. To me that speaks volumes as Cantore only follows about 1300 people worldwide and the Director of the National Hurricane Center should speak for itself.

Not asking for a handout here. I am asking for donations to get me over this hump. Just need enough to get some rent and light money together but more importantly an internet connection so that I can continue to keep you informed on the forecast. The official start of the 2015 Atlantic Hurricane Season is now just two weeks away. If you are a business owner and follow our forecast consider becoming a sponsor by advertising on our site. We need to make changes to it. One of the banners still says the 2014 Season is starting to Heat Up. We have to pay someone to change it. The only thing we are able to do is to upload the forecast.

So please, consider making a donation. Anyone making a donation of $25 or more will receive a DaBuh.com T-Shirt and sticker. Again it's not like we are asking for a handout. You are getting something in return. Be sure to leave your Name and Address and what style T-Shirt and size you want.

Thanks again for your consideration 

Chickie Dimain aka DaBuh, DaBuh.com

Tell All U Frens Mo Frens Mo Betta