Hi, I’m Sunshine and I never thought I’d be here, writing this. But life has humbled me in ways I didn’t expect, and I’m asking for help because I’ve reached a point where survival isn’t enough. I want to live again.

I’ve Worked So Hard for a Better Life —

I have a BA in Psychology, worked as a teacher, financial services , education, am a licensed esthetician, makeup artist, and I created a natural skincare line after overcoming personal skin trauma. I’ve built a reputation for helping people feel confident, cared for, and seen.

But right now, every dream has been put on hold just to survive.

From Hustling to Rock Bottom

When I moved to California alone, I was chasing peace, healing, and new beginnings. But starting over came with a heavy price.

I had to wait 7 months for my esthetics license to be approved here. That meant taking on jobs I didn’t love, like account payables, retail and eventually found myself driving an hour to three hours one way simply to survive. During that time, I used up both my savings and credit cards just to afford food, rent, gas, and other basics.

I’ve gotten food from food pantries and lived in a single bedroom in a home of strangers to new homes of friendships I’ve made along the way. When I had nowhere else to go due to high housing costs and damaged credit, I ended up putting my things in storage, in my car and lived in a hotel for a few days. Eventually, I worked three jobs just to finally afford a place of my own — after couch hopping and sacrificing more than I could’ve imagined.

While I’m grateful for those who opened their homes to me whom I just met, nothing compares to having a place of your own — especially after working 10-hour days. I never wanted to overstay my welcome or feel like a burden in someone else’s space. I just wanted the peace and dignity of coming home to my own.

A Car Accident & Concussion = A Major Setback

On July 7th,2025, I was in a serious car accident that left me in the ER with fortunately nothing broken but a ton of cuts, bruises and a concussion. I’m still experiencing symptoms like fevers, dizziness, fatigue, and mental fog — all while trying to keep going.

I’m thankful for life but the accident totaled my only vehicle, making it harder to get to work, take freelance jobs, or run errands safely. With no car, everything became harder — and more expensive.

I’m doing clerical work now, helping others, but I still feel like I’m barely keeping my own life together behind the scenes.

The insurance payout fortunately covered my remaining loan. But I’m left with just enough for a down payment — not enough for a reliable replacement — and I’m now on unpaid leave. Without a car, consistent work is nearly impossible in Southern California and seems like finding closer employment is tougher due to massive layoffs worldwide. I’m mentally and financially depleted. Every day feels like a race just to exist.

Financial Pressure & Debt from Survival

I’ve used every credit card I have just to stay afloat — not for extras, but for basic survival. My rent alone is $1,895/month without utilities and to break my lease and find something more affordable, I’d have to pay three months upfront — something that’s impossible with my current income and damaged credit.

I feel like I’m drowning under the weight of it all. No matter how hard I try, it never feels like enough.

Why I’m Asking for Help

I don’t have a financial safety net anymore or family inheritance to fall back on as I’ve been the one who's constantly worked relentlessly and helped others when there’s been a need. Every win I’ve had, I earned through sheer determination. But now… I’ve hit my breaking point.

I’m humbly asking for $10,000 to:

* Break my lease and move somewhere more affordable

* Put a down payment on a reliable vehicle

* Pay down urgent, debt and medical bills

* Regain financial stability after my concussion and accident

* Begin rebuilding the life I worked so hard for

This GoFundMe will help me:

✅ Buy a reliable hybrid car

✅ Cover basic living expenses and bills while on unpaid leave

✅ Pay for car insurance, registration, and transportation essentials

✅ Possibly relocate closer to work

✅ Start healing my mental health and rebuild my life

I’ve never been afraid of hard work — but right now, I need a lifeline.

If you’ve ever had to rebuild your life from scratch, you understand how lonely and exhausting it can be. Your support means more than just money — it means time to breathe, space to heal, and the power to keep going.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, your prayers, and your support during this extremely vulnerable time. It means everything.

– Sunshine