Experienced Near Death. Trying To Get Back On Feet
Donation protected
This is my first time ever seeking any sort of help or being my most vulnerable. Recently on February 18th 2024, I had just dropped my special needs son off to the babysitters and while I was driving to a work meeting for a new job while it was raining at 5am, I was turning onto a ramp to then go onto highway but as I slowed down turning the ramp, my car had hydroplaned and I lost complete control of my car even though I tried to gain traction by changing gear shift to no avail which then had crashed into the lake, pulled my car out and descended beneath. I was unable to open window, door or even shut my car off as I tried to escape. I had contacted 911 and took a short video as well as captured the geolocation to let all my friends and family know I was going to die. I was almost rendered unconscious due to that and thinking about my son the entire time. How terrified I was that he would be without a mother and how not many people have the patience to parent a special needs child. As the power fully cut off and water risen to my chest, rescue team came right on time, broke my window and pulled me out. My car is completely inoperable and destroyed as it was fully submerged. I worked so so hard for that car and most importantly, that was the sole transportation for my special needs autistic 9 year old, That was our shelter temporarily when all the domestic violence shelters were full and we had no further friends or family in florida to help since me and my son moved recently from nyc to fl due to now failed engagement where for me and my son's safety, I had to relocate from clermont fl to jacksonville after our abuser was bailed out of jail from putting his hands on me and other times my son and further put our safety at risk after. My insurance recently lapsed shortly before accident as I had just recently gotten a job to get back on my feet after escaping domestic violence which is also why I included some pictures as evidence. I have always been one to pay it forward and help others who are low on their luck or just need some help, support, advice, financial (when more stable financially at the time). I have been through rough times and dealt with alot of trauma where I try to express to others that not everyone is the same. There's still good genuine people out there and I have healed from the vast majority of it myself which is why I also like to be that "beacon of hope" for others going through what I've been through since I can relate. I have been trying soo hard to purchase a new safe reliable transportation for me and my son since we are not only unfamiliar with florida and their transport system besides walking and biking but also due to the medical aspect since summer is right around the corner and for the first time I almost passed out from a heat stroke due to biking to and from work along with a heart condition (supraventricular tachycardia) that also is an additional risk factor and most importantly, In order to keep this current job I have, I NEED a way to transport my son to childcare facility and work. I am completely on my own with him in fl again. Additionally, I had 3 worrisome experiences with men trying to persuade me and follow me with their car to get me inside but 1 in particular that stated he was from italy and "needed someone to show him around" (wedding band on finger) and was extremely persistant and even tried to get out his car until I vocalized I'm on the phone which he then looked abit spooked, apologized and drove away after... I then found out later on jacksonville is also a big hub for human trafficking which worries me soo much more..I gotten this car in 2021 as I was an EMT for the state of New York and just gotten foot surgery. There was soo much memories tied to that car. we just need something to use for work and to drive my special needs son to help us get back on our feet. I will keep everyone updated as to where the money goes and when I get back on my feet again, I will continue to pay it forward to those that are struggling and need help as well. Even if you're not able to donate and if you're able to even send a prayer, support or advice, I'd DEEPLY appreciate that as I've been struggling so hard lately just to even stay strong for my son since he doesn't fully understand what's going on and what has happened as well as me taking up so much solo. Thank you for taking the time to reading my story. any further questions, I'd be glad to answer.
Organizer
Georgina Ortiz
Organizer
Jacksonville, FL