For the first time in years, I was finally getting my life back.

After surviving a long abusive marriage, I fought my way to safety for myself and my daughter. I was rebuilding from nothing—working three jobs, juggling custody battles, paying legal fees, and living in the most affordable 1-bedroom I could find so my little girl had a roof over her head.

It wasn’t easy, but it was ours. And I was determined.

Then everything fell apart again.

A car—a fully paid-off gift from my mother that meant freedom, stability, and hope—was taken from me in an instant when an SUV ran a red light and t-boned me on my way home from work. My daughter could have been with me. I could have been killed.

Because my car was already paid off, the insurance payout didn’t even come close to replacing it.

Without a car, I suddenly couldn’t commute.

Without commuting, I lost my main job—the one steady piece of income keeping us afloat.

Since then, the bills haven’t stopped.

The debt hasn’t stopped.

Life hasn’t stopped demanding things I no longer have the resources to give.

I’ve maxed out every option available to me. I’ve borrowed what I could from every financial institution. I’m now carrying debt I never wanted and never expected, all while still trying to hold up my end of a custody battle to protect my daughter.

But I’m still fighting.

I’m still showing up.

I’m still trying to build the safe, steady life she deserves.

I just can’t do this part alone.

Your help would go directly toward:

A reliable used car so I can return to work

Catching up on rent and utilities

Reducing the high-interest emergency debt I was forced to take on

Keeping my daughter and me stable, safe, and housed through the holidays

Even sharing this helps more than you know.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for believing in a mother trying her hardest to start over and keep her daughter safe. Every donation—big or small—brings us one step closer to stability again.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.