In August 2024, my mom’s life, and ours, changed forever. She became suddenly and seriously ill and was placed in a medically induced coma. She fought through unimaginable challenges, including internal bleeding and months of hospitalizations, but she was never truly herself again.

She was only 56 and had always been independent, hardworking, and full of love for her family. After losing her health insurance when she could no longer work, she had to go on Medicaid for her care. I became her caregiver while working full-time, raising my daughter, managing her medications, appointments, and our household, all while trying to hold everything together.

My mom passed away on March 6, 2025, after only eight painful and confusing months of illness. She had wanted to make sure my daughter and I would always have a place to call home. We’ve lived here together for over 10 years, just the three of us.

After her passing, I learned that the state is requiring repayment for the medical care she received through Medicaid, and there is now a lien on our home. The amount they’re asking for is far beyond what I could ever afford on my own. I applied for a hardship waiver but was denied, even though this has always been my home and it’s the only home my daughter has ever known.

I am a single mom, my daughter’s father passed away in 2019, and I have no family to lean on. My mom was my everything. Between grieving her loss, managing my own health issues, and trying to keep up with bills while working reduced hours, I am simply out of options.

This fundraiser is to help cover legal costs, housing expenses, and any amount I can put toward saving our home. Losing it would mean losing the last piece of my mom we have left, her things, our memories, and our sense of safety.

Any support, whether through donations or sharing our story, would mean more than words can express. It would help us keep the home my mom built for us and give my daughter the stability she deserves.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading and for caring.

— Gabrielle