Most of you know my story — a journey of survival, faith, and fierce love for my children. But for those who don’t, let me start by saying: this isn’t easy to write. Asking for help never is.

On September 12, 2014, my life changed forever when I was placed on a permanent feeding tube. Since then, I’ve lived through nearly a decade of hospital visits, medical procedures, and a battle to stay alive that most couldn’t imagine. I’ve fought every single day not just for myself, but for the chance to watch my two beautiful children grow up. Maybe even one day, hold my grandchildren.

Despite unimaginable health challenges, I’ve worked so hard to rebuild my life. But as my condition worsened, my children moved in with their fathers. I couldn’t give them the stable, nurturing environment they deserved and that reality breaks my heart every single day. I miss walking into their rooms, hugging them, showing them love on the simplest, most ordinary days. That kind of loss doesn’t go away.

First, I lost the ability to eat, even swallow water. Then I lost the ability to hold a steady job as my body spent more time in hospital beds than on my own. My pride faded as I went from "doing it all" to being dependent on a feeding tube, machines, and prayer. With the help of a social worker, I applied for disability and was approved immediately. I’m grateful for the $984/month I receive on the 3rd of each month. But as anyone can imagine, it’s not enough to live on.

Still, I never gave up. Until July 11th.

That night, I came home from a community event and found my partner — the man I lived with — with a female co-worker. In complete shock and humiliation, I left. I didn’t ask for help. I was too embarrassed. I parked my car at a truck stop and stayed there until morning.

Within days, I saw a video circulate on social media of a young woman nearly kidnapped just miles from where I had been parked. I was terrified. I realized how easily that could have happened to me. Out of fear and no backup plan he convinced me to come back, and for a moment, I tried to hold it together. But the betrayal, the fear, the instability triggered something deep in me. I had a nervous breakdown and ended up back in the hospital.

After I was discharged, I reached out to my friend and practitioner, Jennifer Brown — a woman who has literally helped save my life more than once.

She invited me to church. That Sunday, I walked up to the altar and cried out to God for help. And he actually heard me!

Friends from the past called and offered me places to sleep — a couch here, a room there. I bought a calendar just to track where I’d sleep each night, hoping it would calm my anxiety and keep my CPTSD from flaring. But waking up in a different place every morning was taking a serious toll on my nervous system. I was spiraling.

Then, God moved again!!!

On July 24th, I was introduced to an amazing young man named Brandon who spent hours with me, helping search for what would meet my personal and medical needs. And we found one! That very day, I borrowed $100 and placed a deposit to hold it.

But now I need help to bring this vision of safety and stability to life.

I cannot go back to a toxic or unsafe environment. I have fought too long, and too hard, to let this be the end of my story. I am just beginning to write my book — a testimony I pray will help save someone else’s life. But in this chapter, I’m humbling myself and reaching out.

I need help to purchase this camper, a small, secure space that I can call my own, a space where I can rest, heal, and continue to survive. Your support will not only provide me a safe place to live but could quite literally save my life.

My goal is to purchase this unit outright, ensuring that I won't have any monthly payments. This will help me manage my budget more effectively, especially since I often run out of funds before the end of the month.

If you’ve ever believed in second chances, miracles, or the power of love to heal, please consider helping.

“Helping one person might not change the whole world, but it could change the world for that one person.”

“We rise by lifting others.” – Robert Ingersoll

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank

With heartfelt gratitude and hope, thank you in advance! <3

Angela Holstein

GoFundMe will not allow me to post my phone number. It is public on my facebook page