My name is Essence Capers, and while most people know me as an amateur MMA fighter chasing the UFC dream, the truth behind my smile is that I’m struggling so badly that it’s causing me to have sleepless nights. I’m a proud mother of three amazing children, and despite my strength in the cage, life outside of it has been a fight of its own.

People see my beauty and determination, but they don’t know the reality — that I’m broke, in debt, and doing everything I can to keep us afloat. My financial hardships have left me and my children facing the heartbreaking reality of being homeless within a matter of weeks. I’ve never needed help as badly as I do right now.

Any athlete knows that being an amateur comes with sacrifices, one of the biggest being that we often fight for free. Most people might say my priority should be working a regular waging job, but what many don’t realize, based on my appearance alone, is that I’m autistic. Keeping traditional employment has always been a struggle for me.

While some might see fighting as a sport or simply entertainment, for me it’s survival, and I believe this is the key to changing me and my children's lives, and every piece of support that you give helps to get me there.

Every donation will go toward helping me and my three children get back on our feet and keep fighting for a better future. Funds will help cover unpaid bills, food, clothing, a down payment on a new place to live and purchasing a car for us, as we currently don’t own one.

Anything additional will go directly toward my fight camps — including gym fees, training sessions, supplements, meal prep, weight cuts necessities, medical exams, recovery therapy, license fees, child care, and travel expenses. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps me continue providing for my children while pursuing my dream of making it to the UFC.

If you’re reading this, please know that any amount helps — even the smallest donation brings me and my children one step closer to stability, and one step closer to the dream I’ve fought so hard for.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in me and giving my children a fighting chance. ❤️