If you’re here from TikTok, you’ve probably already met my ex-boyfriend’s truck. If not, buckle up (haha vehicle pun).

A few years ago, I found myself in a relationship that became emotionally and financially abusive. When I finally ended it, my ex refused to move out of my house. In my desperation to get him out of my home and my life, I made a decision that, in hindsight, was not my finest moment.

I took out a personal loan to buy him a truck.

Shut up, I know.

He signed an agreement promising to make the payments and take care of the vehicle. Fast-forward through a whole lot of nonsense, broken promises, and one particularly eventful trip to an impound lot, and I now have possession of a 2016 Ford F-150, a loan in my name, and an ex who has announced he won’t be paying another dime.

So naturally, I made a TikTok about it.

What I didn’t expect was the incredible response. Thousands of people have been watching, sharing their own experiences, offering encouragement, and even asking how they can help financially.

So, let’s make some lemonade.

Here’s the plan:

First: Pay off the remaining truck loan ($13,273.33) and the cost of the tow fees ($565). This would finally eliminate the financial obligation I took on during an abusive relationship and allow me to close this chapter for good.

Next: Give the truck a new purpose. Once the loan is paid off, I’d like to donate the truck to a single mom who needs reliable transportation or to a charitable organization that can put it to good use. I’ll work to find an appropriate recipient and make sure the vehicle is safe and ready for its next owner.

UPDATE: A great point was raised on TikTok about the cost of title transfers and insurance. With that in mind, I’ve increased the goal and will additional funds towards that purpose after GFM takes their cut.

Finally: Any additional funds raised will be donated to an organization supporting survivors of domestic violence.

I’ve spent a lot of time and money trying to get myself out of a situation I never should have been in. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to untangle yourself financially and emotionally from an abusive relationship.

I’m fortunate to be in a position where I can move forward. Not everyone is.

If this ridiculous saga can help another woman get to work, take her kids to school, leave an unsafe situation, or begin rebuilding her life, then something genuinely wonderful will have come out of it.

If donating isn’t possible, sharing the story helps just as much.

Thank you for the kindness, the solidarity, and especially the laughs.

Let’s turn 6,000 pounds of audacity into something good.