My name is Michelle Paszko, and I’m reaching out as I work to rebuild my life from the ground up. After leaving a long and difficult living situation, I’m now staying temporarily with my elderly parents while I try to get back on my feet. They’ve been loving and supportive, but I want them to enjoy their golden years without the added stress of worrying about me. My goal is to become fully independent again and give them peace of mind.

Life hasn’t been easy, but I’m proud to be eight years into recovery after a long period of hard living and tough decisions. Every day since has been about making better choices and moving forward. I’ve always been the first to help others, even when it meant going without myself. Now, I find myself in need of support. Earlier this year, I became extremely sick with pneumonia and a severe respiratory infection. I couldn’t work for almost a month, which drained the small savings I had built. Since then, I’ve been working a part-time, minimum wage job while searching for better opportunities. The biggest challenge I face is mobility—I don’t have a car, and my mother has been driving me everywhere. While I’m grateful for her help, it limits my ability to work more hours, attend interviews, or explore new job prospects.

I’m asking for help to cover a few key things that will change my situation: a reliable used car so I can expand my job opportunities and regain independence, a small savings cushion to help me eventually move into my own place, and assistance with unpaid medical bills from my illness earlier this year. I know there are many people in need right now, but even the smallest contribution would make a huge difference in my ability to move forward. If you can’t give, simply sharing this page would mean the world to me. Thank you for reading my story, for caring, and for believing in second chances. With your help, I can move toward independence and give my parents the peace they deserve.