You know when things are happening in life and you know you really should ask for help, but don't feel you're important enough to go through with it? Then there are times when your friends (or family) need help and suddenly you turn into a Superperson and, in this case, the internal "mom mode" activates? Well, that time is now for me and my "mom mode" has been activated for my cousin Brad.

Brad is one of the kindest, selfless, most badass people (yes, people) that I know. He is active in fighting for human rights, starting movements and conversations in his community, and organizing peaceful protests wherever possible. He helps organize food drives as he is able and doesn’t shy away from hard work. He helps out his friends and family whenever and however he can and, on a personal note, he was there for me mentally and emotionally after I had brain surgery a few years ago.

I am writing this because recently he has hit the edge of his cliff, so to speak. The world and his circumstances have become overwhelming and he needs some help. In May he suffered a stress seizure while at home that sent him to the hospital. Thankfully his roommate was able to help get him there, but he is still dealing with the after-effects, including partial numbness to parts of his mouth and tongue. Shortly after his seizure, he had his van stolen, which was his main transportation to and from work. The van was recovered, but not before they took his work clothes, boots, $300 worth of other things and caused $3,300+ of damage. On top of all this, he needs to find a new place to live and the money he was going to use to pay for his deposit he had to use to buy his van out of lockup and fix it up. He also needs to seek out someone to speak to deal with some of the stress and trauma he has been dealing with to try and help lessen the impact of everything while he waits for his job benefits to kick in. As he has already had one stress seizure, the sooner we get him help, the sooner we don’t have to worry about a second one hitting.

Brad is one of the strongest, most genuine and loving badass dudes I know, and any help you can give will be accepted with abounding thanks and humility. Please help me keep him afloat for just a little bit longer. Thank you!