My name is June, and I am a disabled mother of two living in a red state. I live with an immune disorder that severely impacts my ability to maintain my health and well-being. Since January, I have experienced a significant increase in stress, resulting from several challenging circumstances. My daughter, who is transgender, faces social difficulties that greatly concern me, and both my husband and I grapple with our own mental and physical health challenges.

As of January 2025, we lost our health insurance, which has left us in a precarious situation. The abrupt discontinuation of my immune disorder medication, along with my mental health medications, has taken a toll on my health. Without my prescribed treatments, I have lost a significant amount of weight and my immune system has started attacking my body when I try to eat. This unmedicated state has made it incredibly difficult for me to sustain myself, both physically and emotionally.

My husband, who is bipolar and has a traumatic brain injury, requires psychiatric medications to remain stable. The past month has been particularly grueling for us, as we navigate the complexities of our individual health issues alongside the pressures of family life. Every day feels like a struggle, and we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed and isolated.

I am actively trying to raise enough funds to purchase a reliable vehicle that would enable us to relocate to a blue state. In a more supportive environment, we would be able to qualify for health insurance again, allowing us to access the medications we desperately need. Compounding our difficulties, my daughter’s only friend here has shown hostility toward her because of her gender identity, adding to the emotional strain on our family. There are countless nights when she cries and begs me to find a way out of this oppressive situation.

As a mother, it is heartbreaking to witness her pain and fear for our safety. I am dedicated to making this move happen before we become potential victims of hate crimes or endure further harm. My family’s safety and well-being depend on finding a more accepting community where we can heal and thrive together.

*kids faces have been edited out out of respect and privacy