Hello, my name is Nicolas Brown. I recently graduated from York Technical College with an Associate's in Surgical Technology. During my schooling, I have lost most of my direct family, my grandmother ,grandfather,and my only

uncle ,and what’s left is estranged, unfortunately.

I was given three offers at three different hospitals to work there as a hire under contingency, but I was told by my wife to wait, so it would give her time to set up scheduling or plan ahead for finally starting a career, so that we can work together and build a better future for our children. Unfortunately, while nearing the end of graduation, my car engine failed. I asked if we could work together and was refused and told to figure it out alone. Then I graduated as expected. I asked, “What’s the plan?” so we can get back

on a good footing so I can choose a location to work and buy a car to add more income to the home. Considering I have to work around my spouse's schedule, I assumed that indeed she was working on a plan, i.e., shift change, or anything of the sort so we can both work and have income for consistent childcare. I was told again to wait, so ultimately, to be mindful

of my spouse, I denied each position and offer, thinking there was genuinely a plan. Well, when the time came and it was confirmed I did pass my national certification in Surgical Technology, I asked what’s the plan. I was told I should have just taken the jobs, despite being told not to and trusting I was doing the right thing. I was pretty much left hanging to dry and told, “Why can’t you hurry up and get a job?” and that in fact, she never planned to change or modify schedules so we could work together as a team. Instead, I was told, “Why should I have to change my life for you?” :( Due to multiple schools graduating in the same field, once I received my national certification, no positions were available, and every offer I denied, those positions were filled.

So no car and no job upon graduation.

I was fortunate enough to be hired at Anne Springs Greenway Nature Reserve in Fort Mill, SC. Due to my wife telling me to figure it out alone, I have been reduced to walking back and forth to work 2.5 miles each way since May of this year. Due to walking through the heat waves, I have acquired kidney damage to one of my kidneys, which causes much pain. But determined to stay true to the goal of more stability for our children, I still make it to work by foot on time.

I was recently hired after 6 months and over 120 applications put in around the country. I was blessed to be hired by a hospital 158 miles from Fort Mill, SC to the South Carolina coast. Thankfully, I was accepted, and my start date is Nov 17. Due to paying student loans and medical bills, it has been a struggle to keep up considering we still have no childcare, and I work around her schedule to make sure someone is home with the children.

I have no family in the area, considering my closest family is in Florida. I am here in Fort Mill, SC, alone. And it will be almost impossible for me to find a car and find the funds to secure housing and relocate to this new career opportunity myself, whilst beginning the process of divorce.

I’ve spent my savings on my medical expenses, even taking Ubers to my appointments and being hospitalized twice in the process. I am still

firm in my strive for financial stability, which in turn guarantees stability for the children despite all the unfortunate events.

I ask if anyone could please help

donate so that I can relocate, purchase a small vehicle, and find housing so I can assure I can still see my children and have a way to them in case of emergency or if they need help with anything. I know this opportunity is a blessing, but again, it will be almost impossible to make it there and still have transportation to move the few items I have there to start.

It would go directly to a car, the cheapest housing I can find until I'm

through my orientation and still

be able to make it back to Fort Mill for my children. I ask genuinely, please help if you can, as truthfully and with some shame, I have nowhere else to turn, and I would be grateful for anything, no matter how much. Thank you.

-Nicolas Brown