I never thought I’d be here asking strangers for help, but after injury, loss, and hardship, I don’t see another way forward.

Hi, my name is Sanjay Naidu. Most of my working life, I've used and exhausted my body, first as a fisherman, then in a diesel truck repair shop. Both careers were physically demanding, and I was proud of that work.

In 2013, I had back surgery. Recently, my injury has created the need for surgery again (if I choose so), and now my brachial plexus has left the entire left side of my body significantly weak. The jobs I know how to do are now beyond my physical ability. It’s been devastating to lose not just my income but also the work that defined me.

I’m not someone who usually asks for help. In 2020, I volunteered in Houston, Texas, with All Hands, helping repair homes damaged by floods. I lived at a church and donated my time because I believe in paying it forward. I’m asking for some of that same kindness and karma now.

Right now, I receive unemployment, though it's only $130 per week, and my pride was hurt asking for it, but I am grateful that I will receive it for 16 more weeks. However, it was withheld for two months after I fell ill and couldn’t take a job I’d accepted. That delay drained my savings. My grandfather also passed away just two days ago, which has been another emotional and financial blow.

I’ve tried everything I can: loans (denied due to my credit), pawning valuables, content creation, side gigs, boat and car detailing for friends, and waiting lists for rideshare and delivery jobs. My younger brother has helped me as much as he can, but my family is also struggling.

At 44, I’m uncertain about the future, but I haven’t lost hope. The only path I see now to rebuild my life and one day have a family of my own is to relocate to Tijuana, Mexico. Living costs there are about a third of what I’ve faced in California, which would allow me to stretch my limited resources, recover, and work in the U.S. while living across the border.

Repayment & Paying It Forward

I know GoFundMe is not a loan platform — donations here are meant as gifts. But I want to be transparent about who I am: I don’t see this as charity. I’m planning to take a holiday job before Christmas, and starting afterward, I’ll reach out to any donor who wishes to be repaid and work out returning the money directly.

If someone doesn’t want repayment, I’ll honor their support by donating the same amount in their name to a cause of their choice, whether here on GoFundMe or on another site.

Your generosity won’t stop with me. It will either help me get back on my feet or ripple forward into helping others.

I know times are hard for everyone. If you’re hesitant to donate, please know that every dollar helps me not just survive but rebuild a future. I’ve given my time to others when they needed it most; now I’m humbly asking for a chance to receive.

Thank you for reading my story. Any support, even sharing this, would be appreciated.