I am a 29-year-old immigrant living in Charlottesville, VA, and I’ve always dreamed of returning to school, owning my own car and house, and exploring the world. My journey began in high school, working in the restaurant industry—my first job was at Subway. I focused on surviving day to day, and after finishing school, I continued to work hard, eventually becoming a bus boy at one of the best restaurants in my town.

Recently, I left that job because it was too difficult to get to without owning a car. At 29, I now run my own company, but I have no funds to support myself. In 2025, I was diagnosed with schizophrenia, which has made it much harder to keep a job and pay rent for the one room I rent. Being alone in Charlottesville and an immigrant from Mexico D.F., I love this country and want to build a strong foundation for myself.

Support from this fundraiser will help me cover rent, transportation, education, build my family-owned business, and pay medical bills. It will help me stand my ground, move forward in the world, and help me understand my diagnosis. I am asking for your help to achieve my goals and reach the dreams I’ve held in my heart for 12 years. My mother always said, 'keep your chin up,' and I am staying strong in faith and in my own body. Any support you can give means the world to me.