Help Me Get Home to See My Mom

Hi friends,

I’m asking for support to help cover the cost of a short trip to California to see my parents—especially my mom, who had a stroke earlier this year. I’ve been trying to make this visit happen since January, and I still hope to go in late April, as originally planned.

Due to an unexpected job loss, I no longer have the paycheck I was relying on to fund this trip. Because of how things ended, I’m also not in a position to apply for unemployment, which makes this moment even more financially difficult. I’m doing what I can to stay on top of bills and reserve what’s left as a safety net while I search for my next job, so I’m not able to cover this on my own right now.

I’m hoping to raise $500 to help with:

• A roundtrip plane ticket

• Pet sitting costs while I’m away

I’d be willing to fly Spirit for 13 hours (yes, for what should be a 4–5 hour flight) just to spend some time with her.

This trip means a lot to me—it’s not just about travel, but about presence, care, and time I can’t get back. It’s more than just about a family visit—I’m hoping to start recording an oral history of my parents’ journey through the Cambodian diaspora, something I’ve been wanting to document for years.

If you’re able to donate or share, I’d be so grateful. Every bit helps.

With love,

Jean