Help Lori Get Back on the Road to Independence

Hello! My name is Lori. I'm 61 years old and unemployed for the first time in my life for longer than a few weeks. I feel like a dark cloud formed over me about a year ago and it's been following me around ever since. Every time I take a step forward, I wind up getting pushed back 2 steps. I always try to maintain a positive outlook, but right now I'm feeling discouraged.

This fundraiser is a carry-over from one I started a couple of months ago. The ultimate fundraising goal was $2,500. Of that $2,500, I received $1,500 in donations to date, and I am incredibly grateful for every dollar donated!

Since the circumstances have changed, I decided to put the remaining $1,000 in a separate fundraiser.

Some background:

My Toyota was repo'd 3 weeks ago, which severely curtailed my ability to make money with DoorDash. If I can't DRIVE, I can't EARN money. My sweet daughters offered to buy me an older model car with relatively low mileage. They found a great deal on a Chevy Malibu, very clean, runs great with barely 115k miles.

I was happy to be back on the road and able to drive for DoorDash, which is my primary source of income right now. I have a pending disability application with the SSA and am not physically able to work full-time in my chosen career. Wednesday night, I had just made my 3rd delivery for the evening and was pulling out of the parking lot when my front right tire cratered into a huge pothole and the tire immediately blew out. Some friends rescued me and changed out the tire. Then, the next morning, I bought a used tire to replace the spare.

After having the tire installed, I left Beaumont to head back to Spring, where I am staying with a friend. I immediately noticed the car jerking to the right when I pressed the brake and pulling to the right as I was driving. Before the blowout, the car had not pulled to the right even when driving 70 mph. So, yesterday morning, I took it to Brake Check for an alignment and recommendation as to other needed repairs.

The mechanic showed me what the problem is and what brake parts need to be replaced and gave me an estimate for the work. He said I need 2 control arm assemblies for the front brakes ($502 each parts/labor), along with inner ($202 parts/labor) and outer ($146 parts/labor) tie rod ends. The total for all of this will be about $1,300. I am going to get a second opinion, but I doubt the cost will be significantly less than that.

In connection with getting the Malibu, I spent over $500 on the tax, title, and license fees, insurance, and the alignment. I gave $400 to my daughters to help with the cost of the car. I'm tapped out on cash.

I can't make any money without a fully operational, reliable vehicle. Until yesterday, I wasn't aware that these brake repairs were necessary, although I shouldn't be surprised because of the car's age. Repairs and maintenance go hand in hand with owning an older model car. I hope I will be better prepared the next time a maintenance issue arises. This needed repair caught me off guard and could not have come at a less convenient time.

Right now, my main goal has to be getting the brakes repaired so that I can safely and confidently drive for DoorDash and continue earning money to pay my bills.

If you or someone you know is able and willing to help me reach my goal of $1,000 for emergency car repairs, please consider donating and/or sharing this fundraiser with friends and contacts.

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!