Hi, my name is Samantha, and I’m fundraising for my little sister and my stepdad, who is her full-time caregiver. My sister is 17 years old, but developmentally she’s more like an 8-year-old. She has cerebral palsy and autism, and she is one of the brightest, sweetest souls I’ve ever known. She loves hand-holding, music, silly jokes, and the people she trusts. My stepdad has been her rock and main caregiver for years. He does the day-in, day-out work that most people never see: bathing, feeding, dressing, lifting, changing, comforting, advocating at appointments, and constantly watching to make sure she’s safe, happy, and understood.

A few years ago, our family went through something really painful. Our biological mom was physically abusive, especially toward my disabled sister, and eventually abandoned the family and left the state to avoid consequences for that abuse. When she left, she didn’t just walk away from me—she walked away from my sister and from her responsibilities as a parent. Since then, my stepdad has been the one who stayed, showed up, and did the hard work of loving and caring for my sister every single day. In a few months, they will lose everything. All the animals—dogs, cats, reptiles—will have to be dropped off at shelters.

Right now, my stepdad and my sister are losing their home. Because of circumstances outside their control, they have to move out, and they don’t have the savings or stability to just pick up and start over somewhere safe and accessible. My sister needs things that a lot of houses and apartments just don’t have: a layout that works with her mobility needs, a safe bathroom setup, space for equipment, a calm environment, and a place where my stepdad can keep caring for her without burning out completely.

I’m asking for help to give them a soft place to land.

The money from this fundraiser will go toward:

- Moving costs and basic necessities

- A deposit and initial rent for a safe, stable place to live

- Accessibility needs and supplies that help my sister live with comfort and dignity

- Anything extra that can give my stepdad breathing room as he continues to care for her full-time.

It’s very hard for me to ask for help publicly. But my sister did not ask to be born into a situation with so much instability. She deserves safety, consistency, and love. My stepdad deserves support for the hard, loving work he does every single day, especially after being left to pick up the pieces of someone else’s choices.

If you’re able to donate, any amount helps more than you know. If you can’t donate, sharing this means the world too.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading, for caring about my family, and for helping me fight to give my sister the safe home she deserves.

Thank you all for reading, & if you’re not able to donate even just $1, please SHARE <3. May God bless you, and pray I can help my family in this time of need.