My name is Johnathan, and I’ve spent most of my life fighting to survive. Growing up, I didn’t have my father around, and most of my family struggled with addiction. I was exposed to trauma and abuse at a young age, and by 15, I was in foster care after my stepfather refused to pick me up from juvenile hall. For years, I was homeless and felt like I had no one to turn to.

Three years ago, everything changed when I became a father. I promised myself that my son would have the childhood I never did, and I started working hard to build a better life. I’ve been sober for two years now, and I’m determined to give my family hope and stability. But the challenges keep coming. I lost my insurance, my housing, and my car. I now live in a garage, struggling to afford even basic needs like healthy food.

My wife Ansha is from Nepal and is here on a student visa. She can’t work yet, and her school fees and immigration costs are overwhelming. We’re doing everything we can to keep her in school and help her get her residency so she can stay with our family, but it’s a constant struggle. I work hard, but it’s not enough to cover everything, and I was denied emergency medical help because I make just over the limit.

Recently, I found out I have a life long and life threatening diagnosis and I dont know what to do. I owe a large amount to the hospital, and I also have a painful hernia that needs surgery, but I can’t afford to miss work and hernia isnt a big deal. I feel scared and overwhelmed, but I’m not giving up. I want to live a long, healthy life for my son and my wife, and I’m asking for help to get through this impossible time. Any support you can give means the world to us and brings hope when we need it most. And regardless what i go thru. I am grateful every breath i take. even for the struggles because there is always someone struggling worse and I pray for those who struggle because I know it can feel so hopeless at times and can really crush our spirits.