For years, I stayed silent because I was afraid of losing what little access I had to my children.

Today, I can’t stay silent anymore.

I’m a father fighting to protect my son and daughter and bring them into a safer, healthier, and more stable environment before things get even worse.

After my divorce in Kentucky, I lost the ability to properly fight for custody because I simply could not afford the legal battle. At the time, I was the sole income provider while my ex-wife had financial support from family that allowed her to secure legal representation I could not match. The custody arrangement that followed left visitation entirely at her discretion, and for the last six years I have lived in fear that speaking up too strongly could result in losing contact with my children altogether — because in the past, that has been the consequence.

Over time, the situation has become increasingly serious.

My daughter has struggled deeply with her mental health, and I do not believe her needs are being properly addressed. There have been incidents involving self-harm and suicide attempts, and as a father, there is no worse feeling than hearing your child beg for help while feeling powerless to protect them.

She has also experienced multiple traumatic situations during her time in Indiana, including incidents of sexual assault that I personally pushed to have properly reported and addressed. In one recent case involving inappropriate conduct at school toward multiple girls, I felt strongly that the matter deserved greater accountability and follow-up than it received.

My daughter has repeatedly expressed that she feels isolated, unsupported, and without opportunity where she currently lives. She wants to come to Illinois and build a future where she feels safe, included, and hopeful again.

My son also needs additional support. I believe he would greatly benefit from further evaluation and services that could better help him thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

I have always maintained stable employment, but while working as a truck driver, maintaining a consistent home schedule was difficult. I have since transitioned into healthcare, which now provides me with a reliable schedule, stability, and benefits that allow me to properly support my children’s mental health and overall well-being.

My wife and I have worked hard to build a home environment centered around structure, support, faith, and opportunity. I work full-time at a hospital and part-time at a Christian academy where my children would be welcomed into a smaller, more supportive community. My daughter would finally have access to therapy, extracurricular activities, sports, and the opportunity to feel safe, included, and supported.

One of the greatest blessings in this situation is my wife’s flexibility and availability. She works from home running her own business, which allows her to always be present when the children need support, guidance, or care. She has also created opportunities for the kids to participate in the business, learn responsibility, and build confidence as they grow. Our goal is to provide not just safety, but stability, involvement, and a future they can genuinely feel hopeful about.

Right now, the biggest obstacle is the legal process.

In order to transfer the custody case from Kentucky to Indiana and pursue custody and placement through the courts, I need help covering legal fees, filing costs, travel expenses, and the initial costs of bringing the children here safely and getting them settled.

I am not asking for luxury.

I am asking for the chance to protect my children.

Anyone who knows me knows I would work myself into the ground before asking for help publicly. But this situation has become bigger than pride. Time matters. My children matter.

If you can donate, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser and praying for my children and our family.

Every share, prayer, and contribution brings us one step closer to bringing my kids home to safety.

Thank you for believing these kids deserve a chance at a better future.