Help Brookelyn Recover After Surgery and Rebuild Her Life

Hi, my name is Brookelyn. I’m 19 years old, and this is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to write, but I need help.

If I’m being honest, I think this all started when I was fifteen — the moment my world shifted. That’s when I lost my grandpa, the man who raised me and was the only real parent I had. He didn’t just raise me — he loved me without conditions. He was the one safe place I had in the world, and then he was just… gone

After he died, my little sister and I were separated. She was the last piece of family I had left, and I had to leave her behind. I moved around, trying to find stability, but nothing felt permanent. Meanwhile, I was carrying grief that felt like trying to breathe through mud.

Grief made me act out. Not because I was bad, but because I was hurting. I felt abandoned — first by my parents, then by my grandpa, then by a system that never really knew what to do with someone like me. and that is still happening.

By 17, I was completely on my own. I found work and a roof — sometimes. I got into Job Corps, started studying welding, and began working real life : ). Even when I didn’t have a steady place to sleep or enough food, I kept pushing forward.

Then the pain started. I lost weight fast. I could barely stand some days. I ended up in the ER, where I learned the truth:

I have a watermelon-sized tumor growing from one of my ovaries.

(Photo below — please scroll past if you’re sensitive to medical images.)

It’s caused constant pain, extreme weight loss, and fear that’s hard to explain. April 18th I'm having major surgery to remove it — and likely one of my ovaries. I’m scared. The surgery is intense. I don’t know how long I’ll be recovering or what comes next.

I just know I can’t do this alone.

Where I’m Living Now

Right now, I’m staying in a temporary situation I’m incredibly grateful for — but it’s not a place I can heal in. The bathroom is a long walk away, and after surgery, that’s just not going to be possible. This place gave me a landing spot, but it’s not a home. I need somewhere warm, quiet, and safe. Somewhere I can recover without risking infection or falling apart trying to be tough.

How the Funds Will Be Used

Here’s exactly what I’m raising money for:

$4,500 — First and last month’s rent + deposit for a modest one-bedroom apartment

$800 — Six weeks of basic living expenses (groceries, toiletries, phone, and utilities)

$5,000 — A used, reliable car for medical appointments, errands, and rebuilding stability

$1,000 — Essential home items like a bed, bedding, kitchenware, and towels

$300 — Light recovery support: help with rides, errands, and occasional care

If anyone has a reliable car they are willing to donate, I would be incredibly grateful. I don’t have the funds to register or license a vehicle, so if you’re able to help with that too, it would change my life. As of now, I’ll be relying on buses and ride shares with some of the money raised — but having a car would lift a huge weight.

I’m a tough woman. I work hard. I always have. But waking up from surgery without a place to land is something no one should go through. Especially not a 19-year-old who’s already been through more than most adults ever will.

This isn’t just about rent or bills. This is about dignity. Safety. Healing.

It’s about giving someone a chance to come back to life after barely surviving it.

If you can help, I’ll never forget it. Even $5 makes a difference.

If you can’t give right now, please consider sharing this with someone who might be able to.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for seeing me.

Brookelyn