This past January, my mom needed emergency triple bypass heart surgery. As her only child — and she a single mom herself — I moved her into our home to care for her during recovery. I’m so grateful I was able to be there for her.

She stayed with us for almost four months. During that time, I couldn’t work. I’m self-employed and still building my small salon business, so I don’t have paid time off. My mom is on a fixed income and wasn’t able to help financially, but in that moment, none of that mattered — I just wanted her to survive and heal. Thankfully, she made a beautiful recovery (and I learned I’m a pretty good nurse). But with no income coming in, and caring for another adult, my savings were completely wiped out.

Since then, I’ve been trying to catch up, but we’ve been barely staying afloat. As Duke’s primary parent, when he needs me and I miss work, I don’t get paid — and that has been happening more often.

My son, Duke, has asthma, is neurodivergent, and struggles with severe separation anxiety. He has had an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) since kindergarten — he’s now in fourth grade. I’m incredibly grateful for the support he receives, but anyone who has navigated the IEP process knows how much time, advocacy, and emotional energy it takes. His tri-annual IEP meeting is this week, and I’ve been working hard to make sure his needs and accommodations are fully supported.

Just two weeks ago, Duke was in the ER again for croup and breathing issues, and I had to miss even more work.

Then, during the recent government shutdown, we lost our SNAP and other benefits. I’m behind on both our home rent and salon rent, utilities, and my bank account is in the negative from overdraft fees. I’ve tried to carry this quietly and handle it on my own, but it has become too heavy.

I also live with an autoimmune disease, and stress affects my health in painful and debilitating ways. I’m doing everything I can to stay strong for my son and my family, but the financial strain is affecting my health, stability, and peace.

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Our Starting Goal: $8,000

This will help cover:

• Home rent and salon studio rent

• Utilities and essential bills

• Overdraft fees & bringing my account back to positive

• Basic living necessities for my son and me while I stabilize income

If we are blessed enough to reach this goal and needs are still ongoing, I may gently raise it — but $8,000 would help us breathe again and feel stable.

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Moving Forward With Hope

I am actively working to build more stable income and long-term security for our future. I don’t regret taking care of my mom for a moment — sometimes you do what you have to do and trust that it’ll all be ok.

Now, I am humbly asking for support so I can keep a safe, loving and stable home for my son, continue caring for my family, and rebuild our lives.

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Thank You

Thank you for reading, sharing, donating, or simply for the good vibes. Your kindness helps us move toward stability, healing, and hope again.

With so much gratitude,

Jessica Rose & Duke