Help Me Rebuild After a Heartbreaking Journey

Dear friends, family, and compassionate souls,

I find myself reaching out to you in a moment of profound vulnerability and desperation. The past year has been a tumultuous journey, one marked by the devastating loss of my beloved father to stage 4 stomach cancer. Watching him endure such pain and suffering has left an indelible mark on my soul, and the aftermath has brought me to a place of unimaginable hardship.

In the face of my father's battle, I made the difficult decision to uproot my life and put it on hold, choosing to be by his side during his last year on this earth. I embraced the role of caregiver, opting to work only casually to cover my basic expenses while dedicating my time to providing comfort, companionship, and care to my father. Cooking for him, accompanying him to treatments, and looking after his cherished companion, Timber, became my daily focus.

Tragically, the promise my father made to bring me back home to Melbourne, Australia, has been shattered. This unexpected turn of events has left me homeless, carless, and burdened by debt.

Now, with your help, I am reaching out to rebuild my shattered life. The funds raised will be used to transport my sister and brother-in-law's belongings to Virginia, where they have had to relocate to Virginia to rebuild their lives near our mother and family who love them! Additionally, I desperately need a return ticket to Melbourne, Australia, to reunite with the place I call home. The remaining funds will be crucial for me to regain stability upon my return.

Your support, no matter how big or small, will not go unnoticed. I am eternally grateful for the love and respect that has surrounded me during this challenging journey. I want to acknowledge my sisters, especially Marisa "Sissy" whose lead I followed. Together we embodied strength, compassion, dignity, tenderness, spirituality, and above all, love, as we walked our father home to God.

Life has dealt us a heavy blow, and I understand that many of you are facing your own challenges. I wouldn't ask if it weren't for the numerous kind souls who have reached out, offering help and asking what they can do. Together, we can create miracles, and your collective support can make a significant impact on rebuilding my life.

For those in the Detroit area, a jazzy world music fundraising farewell is being organized on the 18th of March at Northern Lights Lounge, hosted by my dear friend Sean Blackman and my Uncle Nick Pena. Details will be shared soon.

If you have any questions, concerns, or alternative ideas, please don't hesitate to reach out. I thank you from the depths of my heart, and may God bless my father's soul and each one of you who lends a helping hand.

Please consider contributing and sharing this campaign with your network. Your kindness will not go unnoticed, and I look forward to the day when I can pay it forward. Thank you for being a beacon of hope in my life.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Raquel Rodriguez