My name is Bernardo. I was born in Mexico and raised in America, brought here at the age of six. My childhood was filled with the sounds of Waylon Jennings, midnight banjos, and the peaceful countrysides of Wisconsin. I grew up surrounded by good people from every walk of life, and I’ve always done my best to be a positive part of my community—singing in my church choir, teaching music to children, and helping wherever I could.

For 24 years, I’ve fought to become a citizen the right way, following every rule and doing my best to contribute. But despite my efforts, recent changes have made it nearly impossible for me to stay. My journey here was tough—enduring starvation, kidnapping, and even facing a gun barrel as a child. By the time I made it to Wisconsin, I no longer had a childhood. Life here has been full of challenges, from moving homes many times to surviving a motorcycle accident that nearly took my life. I lost everything—my savings, my home, even my cat—but I never gave up hope.

Now, I face a future where, no matter how hard I fight, my best chance at a safe and fulfilling life is to move abroad. I want to start a new chapter in Spain with my fiancé, where I can build a family and continue sharing my love of music. My dog, who helps me manage PTSD from my past, will come with me. The funds from this fundraiser will help me complete the paperwork, pay for our plane tickets, cover initial living expenses while I find a teaching job, and ship my instruments so I can keep making music.

Your support is more than a donation—it’s the opportunity for me to make my dreams come true. I have over 23 years of experience playing and teaching music, and I want to give back everything I’ve learned. If I leave the US, I can’t return for 10 years, but I’m willing to make that sacrifice for a better future. Your help will give me the chance to hold my future children close, to kiss them goodnight, and to show them that dreams really can come true.