For most of my life, I was the one others leaned on. Today, I am struggling to stay on my feet so I can keep caring for my children.

My name is Erin Goodwin. I am a mother of two, including an adult son on the autism spectrum who still depends on me for daily support, stability, and advocacy. I have spent my life caring for others—raising my children, caring for both of my parents through hospice (one with Alzheimer’s and the other with heart failure), and later supporting a sibling through cancer. Those years took a toll on my marriage, and after 25 years, it ended. Despite everything, my focus has always remained on my children.

Over the past decade, my health has significantly declined. I have undergone multiple major surgeries involving my spine, neck, shoulders, and joints, and most recently a total hip replacement that caused permanent nerve damage. At 53, my body often feels decades older. I live with degenerative disc disease, degenerative joint disease, chronic pain, and limited mobility. Additional procedures are still ahead, and doctors have now discovered tumors in my thyroid and adrenal glands.

Until three years ago, I was still working. When further surgeries became unavoidable, my employer of over six years let me go. I have been fighting for Social Security Disability with an attorney, but the process has been long and exhausting. I also paid into long-term disability insurance, which helped keep my family afloat—until the insurer changed its qualifications. This December before Christmas, I was notified that my benefits were being terminated. My medical condition has not improved. I am still disabled, but my income is gone.

Daily life has become increasingly difficult. Walking, bending, and even breathing can be a struggle. I rarely leave my home because I physically cannot manage stores or errands. I rely on deliveries and ongoing pain management just to function. The life I once had—being active, riding my bike, spending time outdoors—feels impossibly far away.

I have sold nearly everything I could and exhausted my savings just to survive. I am now at a critical point. Funds raised will help prevent us from losing our housing, keep my vehicle so we can attend medical appointments, and cover essential medical-related expenses not fully covered by insurance—especially travel to specialists who are two to four hours away.

I remain the primary caregiver for my son on the autism spectrum. In many ways, we care for each other, but he relies on me for stability and safety. One of my greatest fears is what happens to him if I am unable to remain housed, healthy, and present.

I have never been comfortable asking for help, but I am out of options. I am asking for support to bridge this gap while I continue fighting for disability benefits and medical care. My only goal is to stay here for my children.

Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for any support you are able to give.