Hi everyone, my name is Frances and I am a blind single mom to the most incredible 7 year old boy named Kaiden…and we need your help. I completely lost my eyesight in 2018 due to Diabetic Retinopathy when my son was just 13 months old and although it turned my world upside down, at the end of the day feeling sorry for myself and giving up were never options for me. I instead chose to turn an incredibly difficult and devastating situation into a chance to lead by example and show my son firsthand that we never ever ever give up! These past almost 7 years have been challenging and pushed me closer to my breaking point then I care to admit more times than I can count… But still, I remain focused and remain dedicated to putting my life back together and not only surviving… But thriving. I am a survivor of domestic violence that went on for far too long and although I try not to think about the horrible things I’ve been through, and all the pain I’ve endured, not only physically…but also mentally, emotionally and financially. However, while on my healing and rebuilding journey, I’m learning that I need to be willing to ask for help when I need it, if not for me then for my son. I am also learning I can’t be afraid to tell my story, because it is still being written. The abuse and violence that I endured, the losses that I’ve suffered and the pain that I felt are not the end of my story, because I refuse to allow it to be. I am so proud to say that I am currently in training with The Commission For The Blind and Visually Impaired of New Jersey Where I am learning how to use accessible computer software for people that are blind and immediately after completing this training, I will be going on job interviews and finally, FINALLY going back to work!!!! When I lost my eyesight, the fear and shock of having to learn everything I’ve ever known in a completely new way was almost unbearable… But like I mentioned, I remembered I have a little boy watching me, and there is no way in the world I would ever allow him to think, even for a second that mommy would give up on us… Because absolutely not!! I am truly doing my absolute best, unfortunately we have fallen on hard times and are in need of help to get by until I finish my computer training and land a job. We have gotten an eviction notice from our apartment, and have other smaller bills that have fallen behind and from the bottom of our hearts are eternally grateful for any and all contributions that will help get us through. Even if you are unable to donate, it would mean the world to Kaiden and I if you could please share our story. Thank you all so much!!