I never thought I would have to do something like this, but I am truly desperate and trying to cope with a situation that has been going on for years.

I grew up very privileged in many ways, raised by a single mom who gave me everything I could ever ask for. My childhood was full of love, surrounded by my family and grandparents. My mom was always hardworking and responsible, and I never went without anything I needed.

Five years ago, my mom lost her job after facing a very difficult period at work, and she has not been able to find another position since then. It has been heartbreaking because she is talented, speaks three languages, and has a strong professional background, but nothing seems to work out.

Since then, I have been helping her financially with food, utilities, and other basic expenses. Thankfully her home is paid off, but I also help care for our three dogs, plus my own here, who is a service dog in training and helps me cope with stress.

For a while I was managing, cutting costs and budgeting carefully, but lately it has become too much. I pay for my rent, car, food, and my dog’s needs while also sending money home every month, and with currency changes, it is getting harder to keep up. There are weeks when I barely have enough to eat, but I still make sure my dog and my mom are taken care of.

My mom no longer has health insurance, which worries me deeply. She has also become very isolated from our family, and I can tell she is struggling emotionally. I want to keep supporting her and our dogs until she qualifies for her pension, but I have reached a point where I cannot do it alone anymore.

I am embarrassed to have to ask for help, but I love my mom and just want to make sure she has food, utilities, and the basic things she needs while she continues looking for work. Any amount helps and would go directly toward her monthly expenses, which would also help me catch up on mine here.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading and for any support you can give. Even sharing this means more than you know.

— Juliana