In the quiet corners of a world that often moves too fast, I, an adult woman with autism, face a daily struggle that feels like an unending fight for my very future. For years, my mom and I have been fighting for basic cash assistance with no success, navigating a system that often overlooks those of us who need it most. Every single day is a battle, a constant push against the harsh realities of hard living.

My mom, my tireless champion, has been working two jobs to keep us afloat, but the physical toll is catching up; she now suffers from constant aches and pains. I have a job too, and despite how incredibly hard it is for me, I push myself to the limits every single day.

Tragically, all that fighting has come to an end. This is an emergency. We can no longer afford the place we live and must give it up to find a cheaper alternative. The stress of this situation means I may lose the hourly job I've fought so hard to keep, and my lack of experience may mean no one else will accept me.

At my core, I am a struggling artist. No one may notice my talent now, but I dream of making a book with my art someday. My art is my voice, my solace, and my hope.

I need enough money to secure a safe living environment where I can simply exist and create. I am reaching out for any amount of donation. Your kindness, no matter how small the contribution, will help lift the heaviest weight imaginable and give a struggling artist a chance to breathe, to live safely, and to keep fighting for a future that feels possible.

Thank you for seeing me and my struggle.