Hi, my name is Rya. I’ve survived more than most people will ever know, and I’ve done it largely on my own. I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, later kidnapping and sexual assault, and domestic violence that left me with a broken back and four broken ribs. I’ve also endured carjacking, addiction, attempted suicide, and long periods of instability with little to no support. There have been at least three times in my life when I should have died, and yet, somehow, I’m still here. There is so much more to my story than I can share in a single fundraiser, but I hope this gives you a sense of what I’ve faced and overcome. Somehow, I kept going. I fought my way out of drugs and alcohol. I healed my body. I protected my spirit. I chose not to let what happened to me turn me into someone bitter or cruel. I stayed a good human being, even when life gave me every excuse not to. I know I am strong. I don’t question that. But strength doesn’t mean you never need help.
A few weeks ago, I was run off I-25 in a hit-and-run accident. My truck was totaled, and because it was a hit-and-run, I wasn’t covered. Losing my only vehicle has made it even harder to get back on my feet and keep moving forward.
Right now, I’m asking for support so I can stabilize my life and finally do something meaningful with everything I’ve survived. I want to use this time to write books about overcoming trauma, abuse, addiction, violence, and suicide, and about how it’s possible to remain compassionate, honest, and human after unimaginable experiences. This fundraiser is not about pity. It’s about giving someone who has survived the unthinkable a moment to breathe, to heal more deeply, and to turn pain into something that might help others feel less alone.
Funds raised will go toward basic living expenses, recovery, replacing my vehicle, and creating the space and stability I need to write and rebuild. Every donation, no matter the size, helps more than you know. If you can’t donate, sharing this means just as much. Thank you for seeing me, for believing survivors, and for being part of my next chapter. With gratitude, Rya
A few weeks ago, I was run off I-25 in a hit-and-run accident. My truck was totaled, and because it was a hit-and-run, I wasn’t covered. Losing my only vehicle has made it even harder to get back on my feet and keep moving forward.
Right now, I’m asking for support so I can stabilize my life and finally do something meaningful with everything I’ve survived. I want to use this time to write books about overcoming trauma, abuse, addiction, violence, and suicide, and about how it’s possible to remain compassionate, honest, and human after unimaginable experiences. This fundraiser is not about pity. It’s about giving someone who has survived the unthinkable a moment to breathe, to heal more deeply, and to turn pain into something that might help others feel less alone.
Funds raised will go toward basic living expenses, recovery, replacing my vehicle, and creating the space and stability I need to write and rebuild. Every donation, no matter the size, helps more than you know. If you can’t donate, sharing this means just as much. Thank you for seeing me, for believing survivors, and for being part of my next chapter. With gratitude, Rya
Organizer
