My life changed forever in 2020 when I lost my infant daughter to SIDS at just eight weeks old. The grief was overwhelming, and I struggled deeply with my mental health and addiction. For a time, I was unable to care for my teenage son, and we ended up living in different towns, 200 miles apart. Despite these challenges, I have been sober from alcohol for almost two years, attending meetings and taking prevention medication. I am committed to my recovery and to rebuilding my life for myself and my son. We do not have enough money for basic expenses, food, shelter or gas. He now has a birthday coming up and even a small gift could change his day. Thank you.

Currently, I am staying with someone but am not allowed to remain here, leaving me essentially homeless. My disability application is still pending, and I am unable to work due to my diagnosis of bipolar disorder. This has made it impossible to pay for basic needs like rent, utilities, and transportation to medical appointments. I also need urgent dental care—my braces have been on for over five years because I couldn’t afford to have them removed, and they are now affecting my health. Both my son and I need counseling to help us heal from the loss of his sister, but insurance won’t cover my therapy for another year, so I need to pay out of pocket for bipolar counseling now.

My greatest hope is to move to the town where my son lives so we can be together again. His birthday is coming up in September, and I want to be able to give him a small celebration, a gift, and some new shoes and clothes for school. I am working hard every day to stay sober and build a stable future. With your support, I can secure a safe home, access the care we both need, and give my son the love and stability he deserves.