Help Me Publish Diary of a Dog Patcher

Hi, I’m Casey — a mother, caregiver, trauma survivor, and first-time author.

I’ve spent the last three years writing Diary of a Dog Patcher — a raw, unflinching memoir about surviving generational trauma, addiction, grief, and the quiet bravery of starting over again and again.

This story is my truth. It’s about growing up in Dog Patch — a suburban neighborhood in Ohio where survival was a full-time job. It’s about being adopted by my grandparents after my teenage mother collapsed. About losing nearly everyone I loved. About raising a medically complex son who redefined my life.

I’m self-publishing this book under my imprint, Dog Patcher Press, because I want to keep full ownership of this story — for myself, and for my children.

But publishing is expensive. I'm asking for help to raise $5,000 to fund:

Professional editing

Cover design

ISBNs and interior formatting

A printed proof and launch materials

Every dollar helps me get closer to holding this story in my hands — and maybe, one day, placing it in theirs.

If you believe in the power of honest storytelling, in breaking silence, in healing out loud — I hope you’ll support or share this campaign.

With gratitude and fierce honesty,

Casey