From Hope to Hardship – My Journey to Rebuild and Give Back

Hi, my name is Michelle, and I’m a proud mother of three. I came to the U.S. from Puerto Rico over 15 years ago with one goal: to build a better life for my children.

The road has been long and filled with challenges. After years of hard work and struggle, I finally began to find my footing. I started a small cake-making business from home, built with love and passion—and for a while, it felt like things were finally coming together.

Then, in a flash, everything was gone.

Our home caught fire and we lost everything—our belongings, our safety, and the small business I had built with so much effort. My children and I were left with nothing. We spent years going from motel to motel, until we had no choice but to live out of our car. For three long years, we were homeless.

That’s when a blessing came into our lives. Stepping Stone, a nonprofit organization, helped us rebuild our home. It gave us a second chance.

But shortly after moving back in, I was diagnosed with cancer. I fought hard—and I beat it. I went back to work, holding down two jobs to make ends meet. Then, I suffered a serious injury on duty that required 360-degree lumbar back surgery.

This time, it was my children—now grown into strong and loving adults—who took care of me. They paid the bills, made sure I had what I needed, and never let me fall. Their strength became my own, and with their help, I was able to heal and get back on my feet once again.

Now, I want to give back.

I’m working to open a small Puerto Rican restaurant, a place that reflects my culture, my roots, and everything I’ve fought for. This isn’t just about starting a business—it’s about building something meaningful for my community, sharing love through food, and showing my children that no matter what life throws at us, we keep rising.

I’m asking for your help to bring this dream to life. Your support will go toward start-up costs—equipment, permits, supplies, and everything needed to open our doors.

Thank you so much for reading my story. Every donation, every share, every kind word means the world to me. From the bottom of my heart—gracias.