I begin with the thought that echoes in my mind… I don’t want to be writing this. I wish things weren’t as they are, how they came to be and how they’re likely to continue as it seems at this moment.

It was suggested that I write from the heart, but having felt powerless and unable to bring about change for so long, I couldn't find a way to start.

Everything until now had seemed similar to that of countless other divorcees. I just simply looked at this as something that began with the best intentions, didn’t work out, so it came to an end. And, I was lead to believe the aftermath I was experiencing was a typical set of consequences for me as the non-custodial parent.

Even so, a downward turn that started in the middle of last year brought about an unexpected — and far from typical — event one evening in November,  when what should have been a normal custody exchange at my home went suddenly and terribly wrong.

I don’t think this is the proper place to go into detail about how and what happened that evening, but I will say that it was very drastic. It left me with no absolutely choice but to contact an attorney immediately, which led to a court hearing in December.

This whole ordeal has been nothing short of a nightmare. Yet, I have struggled for countless hours now thinking about what to write here so that everyone this reaches — especially those who aren’t close enough to know or have heard anything — might be encouraged to help in this time of need.

While I’ve come to realize now that my emotional rollercoaster story is not so typical, this campaign isn’t for me and what I went through. This is for my amazing little girl, Zoey, whom I love very much and who is so important to me and many.  I’m asking for help today in an effort to alleviate the financial stress created as a result of a terrible event so that I can focus and continue to provide what’s best for her, and that is happiness.

Thankfully, beyond the debt incurred, there was a positive outcome. The court provided me with more custody and opened doors to involvement. There have also been instruments put into place as a means to avoid confrontations and also enforce the rules, but there's still a way to go before I'll feel comfortable again.

For those who would like to know more or have suggestions about this campaign, please feel free to contact me.

Funding collected beyond our goal will be donated to charity for persons, like Zoey, living with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC).

For information about AMC, please visit: AMCSUPPORT.ORG