Hi, I’m James. Writing this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, but I’ve reached a point where I can’t do it alone anymore.

A little over two years ago, I got sick and it turned into sepsis. By the time I drove myself to Hoag Hospital, the infection had become endocarditis. I went through four surgeries to clear the infection from my right knee and left shoulder. I wasn’t expected to live. Somehow, I did.

When I was discharged, my marriage was ending. My wife didn’t want me to come home, and the divorce moved forward. I was laid off from work right before we went to court, so I went into it without a lawyer. I lost almost everything. Today I only get to speak with my children once a week.

Since then, I’ve been searching for any honest work. For more than a year and a half, I’ve applied to jobs in my field as an infrastructure engineer. Three times I made it all the way to the final round of interviews—down to just me and one other candidate—only to hear, “we went with the other person.” When those doors closed, I kept applying anywhere I could: Costco, Sam’s Club, McDonald’s. I’ve been willing to do whatever it takes to keep moving forward.

While I keep searching, I’ve been delivering with Uber Eats to survive. But my car has become more than just transportation—it’s also where I live. I stayed with family for a while, but due to unsafe circumstances in the home, I had no choice but to leave. Since then, my car has been both my shelter and my livelihood. That’s why these repairs aren’t optional.

I already owe $700 for a brake caliper that failed, and now the head gasket is damaged, sending coolant into the engine. The repair will cost about $3,000. Without it, I lose both my ability to work and the only roof I have over my head.

Your help would do more than fix a car. It would keep me working, keep me safe, and give me a chance to regain stability so I can rebuild my life and be more present for my children.

If you can donate—even a small amount—it will go directly to these urgent repairs and essential expenses. If you can’t donate, sharing this page with others is another powerful way to help.

I never thought I’d be in this position. But after surviving sepsis and four surgeries, after losing my marriage and job, I still believe in the kindness of others. I still believe that if we reach out to each other in our lowest moments, we can make it through.

With gratitude,

James