In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, my daughter Ella, the youngest of my four children, was relocated to Texas. My other three daughters remain in California. Over the last six years, Ella’s educational, medical, and emotional needs have been consistently neglected.

This past week, Ella called me and begged me to come get her. I came immediately and I have not left since.

Being here required me to cancel all current and future clients in California, which was my livelihood. Leaving Texas without Ella would not only seriously harm my legal case, it would greatly impact her mental health and could place her in further danger. For these reasons, returning home without her is not an option. I am staying because my child needs me and because this is the only way to protect her.

I am a disabled veteran, and my disability income is my only reliable source of support. After years of travel between Texas and California to advocate for Ella, my resources are exhausted. For the first time in my life, I am asking for public help.

The funds raised will go toward securing a furnished apartment and reliable transportation (a short-term Turo rental) so I can remain in Texas while pursuing emergency custody and child support relief through the courts. I will not leave Texas without my daughter.

Sharing this story is not easy. I have lived most of my life afraid to ask for help, shaped by a long history of survival. But staying silent is no longer an option. Ella deserves the chance to stand in her truth, safely and supported.

No one owes me anything. Any support, whether financial or by sharing this fundraiser, helps us continue forward during this critical moment. Thank you for seeing us