Friends, family, and anyone reading,

I’m sharing this with a heavy heart and a lot of humility. It goes with some discomfort and strain, as I am not one to reach out for assistance like this. But I couldn't go without trying.

This past weekend, I was in a car accident that completely destroyed the front end of my newly financed Jeep Grand Cherokee. It was a head-on collision—something you never expect to experience. I had no time to react. And in a split second, all I could do was brace for impact. Both of our vehicles collided at full speed, sending us in complete opposite ends of the intersection we crossed. We were fortunate to miss any additional oncoming traffic during the accident, and evade a slew of other “what-ifs” that continue to weigh heavy on me. As this certainly could have ended much more tragically.

I am incredibly grateful and lucky to have walked away without injury, and even more grateful that the other driver was also unharmed. But the “what-ifs” of that moment have stayed with me; a feeling that hits very deep. You never realize the importance of the people and things in your life until they're flashing before you. I feel deeply beholden to the universe for protecting the two of us from physical injury and tragedy- in something that could have been, had any of the variables been different.

But while I’m grateful for our safety, the aftermath has been emotionally and financially overwhelming. I bought the Jeep just two months ago after working and saving for a long time to afford the downpayment. It was a milestone for me—something I was proud of, something stable and reliable for work and for the volunteer commitments that mean a lot to me.

Now the vehicle has been declared a total loss. Insurance will cover the value of the car, but the savings I poured into the downpayment—months of effort—are gone. With winter arriving, I suddenly find myself without reliable transportation and starting from zero again: rebuilding savings, trying to meet my credit union’s requirements for a replacement vehicle, and figuring out day-to-day transportation for work and the things I’m committed to in my community.

This is not where I expected to be, and it’s been incredibly hard to wrap my head around.

I’m reaching out to ask for help—any help—to get back on my feet and back on the road. Whether it’s a contribution toward a new downpayment, sharing this post, or simply offering some kind words, it all means more than I can express. Truly, anything helps.

Thank you for taking the time to read, thank you for caring, and thank you for being part of my life—especially in a moment like this.

I have much love for the family and friends in my life, the people I serve in my community, the animals I care for, and those who continue to support me in the most difficult times. If you're reading this, there's a good chance you are one of those ❤️

With love and gratitude,

Brendan