In May 2023, I lost my father after seven years of caregiving—holding him in my arms as he passed. Since then, I’ve faced other painful losses, including the suicide of a close relative and the separation from my brother with disabilities. On top of this, I’ve been recovering from an abusive relationship. These experiences have left me searching for renewal, stability, and a way to rebuild my life with dignity.

Out of respect for my father’s dignity as a Vietnam veteran, I’ve chosen not to include photos of him during his final years of dealing with vascular dementia. Instead, I share my story and my photography as a way to honor his strength and the resilience he passed on to me.

To make this journey possible, I sold my truck and many of my belongings. Up until now, I’ve supported myself—living minimally and resourcefully. I’ve given everything I can to carry myself this far, and now I’m humbly asking for support to stabilize and continue this healing journey.

My healing path has brought me to New Zealand, where I’ve been living simply and rediscovering myself through remote work and photography. These are not just ways to survive—they are how I express hope, creativity, and connection.

My vision:

I want to extend my visa to see more of New Zealand—especially the South Island—and then continue onward to places like Vietnam, Thailand, and nearby islands. These experiences aren’t just about travel; they’re about reclaiming joy, stability, and creativity after years of hardship.

Why I’m asking for help:

Right now, I’m in a tight spot financially, with only $100 to my name. I need support to cover visas, accommodations, food, and basic needs so I can focus fully on my remote work projects and photography. This is more than travel—it’s about turning loss into renewal and building a foundation for hope and contribution.

How I’ll give back:

As a thank you, I’ll share my photos and story with contributors via WhatsApp or Messenger, and I’m planning to create a website to broadcast my journey more widely. Your support will not only help me stabilize—it will help me share beauty, resilience, and creativity with others.

Gratitude:

I’ve given to many people over the years, but I’ve rarely asked for support myself. Even small donations make a big difference. Thank you for walking with me in spirit and helping me turn this chapter of loss into one of renewal and discovery.