Hi, my name is Debbie Bonham, and I’m reaching out during one of the most difficult seasons of my life. I live in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. My parents and I moved here from Long Island, New York in 1989 when I was 15 years old. I’m now 51, and this has been my home for most of my life. For many years, both of my parents relied on me for transportation to doctors’ appointments, grocery and Costco runs, errands, and help with daily tasks like using the computer and managing emails. They gave up driving nearly nine years ago, and I became their primary support. Over the past year, my life has been profoundly changed by loss, caregiving, and financial hardship. My mom passed away on New Year’s Eve 2024. From that moment on, I became my dad’s sole, full-time caregiver for nine months. I handled every aspect of his daily life — cooking all meals, cleaning, bathing, grooming, managing medications and finances, coordinating doctor visits, and providing companionship and care. As his health declined rapidly, we chose hospice care at home so he could remain comfortable and safe, and so I could care for him properly without risking injury to either of us. Seven months after my mom passed, my ex-husband died. Because he was estranged from his family, my son Cameron and I shared the responsibility of covering his cremation expenses so he could be laid to rest with dignity. Exactly two months later, I lost my dad as well. While I was caring for my father, he used his Social Security and pension to cover all household bills. I was not working during this time and had no ability to save. After his passing, there were only limited funds left — enough to make a partial HOA payment. The condo is the only asset my parents left behind, and I am doing everything I can to prevent foreclosure while navigating probate and financial hardship. Unfortunately, my parents did not have a will or living trust, and my name is not on the deed or mortgage. Because of this, I have been denied most hardship, housing, and foreclosure-prevention programs. I do have an older sister who lives out of state, but she is unable to provide financial assistance due to her own responsibilities and obligations. In addition to overdue bills, the condo requires essential repairs caused by years of wheelchair and mobility use, including wall damage, door molding scuffs, and painting needed to keep the home safe and maintainable. I took out a life insurance policy on my dad knowing it would be difficult to manage bills after he was gone. It has now been nearly five months, and the policy has still not paid out, leaving me without a clear timeline for help. I have also applied for food assistance, but benefits have been delayed due to an address issue that is still being corrected. On top of everything, my health has declined significantly. I have been living with chronic pain for over a year, which worsened during full-time caregiving, and I am currently trying to access medical care without insurance before I can return to work. I have consulted with South Carolina Legal Aid to understand my options, as my parents had significant medical and credit card debt. Opening an estate through probate could place the condo — their only remaining asset, purchased in 2017 — at risk. I am also deeply grateful to my best friend Bill, who generously covered $2,500 toward my father’s cremation, celebration of life, groceries, and a few electric bills when I had no other options. I hope to repay him, but right now I am struggling just to stay afloat. My total fundraising goal is $16,500 to help cover overdue mortgage payments, HOA arrears and late fees, utilities, essential condo repairs, and funeral-related expenses. My immediate need is $1,300 to address urgent expenses and prevent further shutoffs or penalties. These funds will help prevent foreclosure and give me the time and stability I need to recover after a year filled with caregiving, grief, and overwhelming financial strain. I am actively reaching out to churches, agencies, and local resources and doing everything I can to move forward. Any amount helps, and even sharing this fundraiser means more than I can express. Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and support during one of the hardest seasons of my life. With gratitude, Debbie