Breaking the Cycle: My Story of Survival, Trauma, and Choosing to Heal

I grew up in a double-wide trailer with my grandmother, uncle, sister, and cousin. To my childhood eyes, I had everything: a yard to play in and kind neighbors. I saw hardworking people all around me, and I’m forever grateful for that foundation. But as I got older, the "perfect world" I thought I lived in began to reveal its cracks.

A History of Trauma My mother passed away at 41—the victim of an autoimmune disorder and a broken heart. She had a hard life, marked by abuse and trauma that people called "psycho," but I saw a woman with a heart of gold who just didn't know how to heal. I was a newborn experiencing trauma before I even had words for it. By the time I was a preteen, I discovered that alcohol made the things that bothered me disappear. I was an AB honor roll student by day, but I was drinking every day I could just to survive.

The Strength to Survive I survived. I got my diploma against all odds. I’ve owned cars, had my own places, and worked hard. I eventually found myself working for the Department of Adult Corrections. But the biggest change came with my two sons. I want to be better for them than the environment I was raised in. I’ve shown up to work with a smile on my face while battling anxiety, depression, and the weight of my past.

Why I Am Asking For Help Recently, I had to make the hardest decision of my life. I resigned from my job at the Department of Corrections. I had to admit that I couldn’t take it anymore—the years of trauma and the mental health struggles finally caught up to me.

I’m not looking for a handout; I’m looking for a way out of the cycle. I am sick of the past consuming me. I want to live past the age my mother did. I want to give my boys the world, but I can't do that if I am empty.

How Your Support Will Help My goal of $12,000 will serve as a 3-month "Stability Bridge" for my sons and me. Since I am currently without income while I focus on intensive mental health recovery, these funds will go directly toward:

Securing our housing (Rent and utilities)

Daily essentials (Groceries and supplies for my boys)

Mental health care so I can return to the workforce stronger than before.

If you cannot give financially, your prayers and words of encouragement mean the world to us. Thank you for listening to my story and helping me choose a different future for my family.

Other ways to support:

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