In November 2023, I left Tucson, Arizona after 26 years, hoping for a fresh start in Florida. I had reconnected with someone from high school and was excited about new possibilities. Just six months later, in May 2024, my partner was tragically killed in a car accident. I lost him, our home, and the future we had started building together. With nowhere to go, my brother offered me a room in Tampa. While there, I underwent necessary oral surgery and found a medical consultant job that required me to travel to Cleveland, Ohio. What was supposed to be a two-week trip turned into seven months. During that time, I left my car with my brother—who lives on disability after his own serious car accident—so he could have transportation while helping me. When I briefly returned to Tampa in October, I learned we had to move due to a sharp rent increase my brother couldn’t afford. At the same time, my car had been damaged in an accident (while my brother was driving it) and was no longer reliable for long-distance travel. With my belongings in storage and no place to live, I returned to Ohio. Five months later, my employer asked me to come back to Florida—this time to Ft. Lauderdale. They offered no relocation assistance, and I quickly realized I couldn’t afford to live there. With everything that’s happened, I’ve made the difficult decision that it’s time to come home to Arizona. I’m currently stuck in Florida, sleeping on a couch with a broken 2009 car (a blown head gasket has made repairs uneconomical), and very limited income from a new commission-based job at AT&T. My mother has already helped as much as she possibly can, including putting a significant amount toward the car that ultimately couldn’t be saved.

I’m raising funds to cover moving expenses so I can return to Arizona and be close to my son, who will be starting his sophomore year of high school this fall. Being present for him during these important years means everything to me. Funds will cover a one-way rental truck and gas to Arizona, plus first month’s rent and security deposit for an apartment in Tucson. This will help me rebuild stability, reconnect with longtime friends, and be close to family who can support me through this transition.

Any amount helps and will bring me one step closer to my son and the support network of longtime friends. I’m embarrassed to ask, but after losing so much so quickly, I don’t know what else to do. Your kindness and support would mean the world as I work to rebuild my life closer to my child. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my story and for any help you can offer.