Donate to Jake and Beth's New Beginning

Jake and I want to begin by saying how truly grateful we are to everyone taking the time to read our story. Opening up like this isn’t something we do often, but life has thrown us some unexpected challenges over the years—especially recently. For those who may not know, we’ve been together for 15 years, married for 10, and throughout that time, we’ve faced heartbreak, health struggles, and financial hardships. Through it all, we’ve leaned on each other, but now we’ve reached a point where we need help to move forward.

My health challenges started when I was in high school after a serious car accident left me with a compound fracture in my right leg. After three surgeries—including one to insert a rod for stability—months in a wheelchair, and extensive physical therapy, I was finally able to return to school. However, the lasting effects of the injury resulted in arthritis in my hips, knees, and ankles. Later, while working as a caregiver for disabled patients, I injured my back while lifting a patient, forcing me to leave the job I loved. Over the years, my health has continued to decline, with additional struggles like neuropathy, seizures, and severe anemia that require frequent iron infusions. In 2013, I filed for disability, and while I was approved in 2015, managing these conditions has remained a constant challenge.

Jake has also experienced his own health setbacks. After years of working in the automotive manufacturing industry, his hearing has declined, his vision has worsened, and he’s developed arthritis in his knees due to work-related injuries. Now working in a warehouse, he continues to push through, but we both know that his health concerns will only increase over time. Finding a more manageable and sustainable living situation would ease some of the burden on him, ensuring that we can focus on our health without the stress of maintaining a deteriorating home.

We’ve been fortunate to live in my grandparents’ old house, owned by my mother, for over a decade, but it has become increasingly difficult to maintain—especially as our health has declined. The home is aging, and repairs have become overwhelming and financially out of reach. When our AC broke recently, we realized it was time to find a more practical and sustainable solution. After researching our options, we decided that purchasing a travel trailer would be the best choice for us. It’s affordable, easier to maintain, and would provide a safe, comfortable place to live without the heavy financial strain of traditional housing. Many people are turning to travel trailers for long-term stability, and for us, it represents a fresh start and a chance to regain control over our future.

We are reaching out in hopes of securing financial support to make this transition possible. The funds would go toward purchasing the trailer, setting up utilities, securing insurance, and furnishing our new home. Any contribution, no matter the amount, would make a meaningful difference in helping us build a stable living space where we can focus on our health and future. We also understand that money is tight for everyone, so if you’re unable to donate, sharing our GoFundMe with your friends and family would still be an immense help. Your support means more than just financial assistance—it’s an opportunity for us to move toward stability and peace of mind. We appreciate every bit of kindness, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to read our story.