Hi friends,

I was involved in a freak car accident, and I have large costs for repair (I was insured but did not have collision) and some bills because of the legal system. This will eat through all my savings, and likely stick me in a place where I will have to put money on my credit cards, which I prefer not doing, at this time in my life, because I am not sure I would be able to pay this off.

This is a guilt free request. I am only interested in support if it feels right for you, and if you feel like you can't or don't feel right contributing to me for any reason, I honor that and will still care about you every bit as much.

On Nov 9th, I was in a parking lot, and while adjusting my car, I thought I had shifted into Reverse, was still in Drive, and quickly crashed into a store window. I felt (and feel) horrible about the damage, and embarrassed about my mistake. I called the police and when they came, they somehow decided I was under the influence. (I was not, As many of you know - I might be the most clean and sober person I know, I have not had a touch of alcohol or illegal drugs in at least 8 years). I was in shock and shaky and have sore hips, so I failed the sobriety walking test. I was refused a breathalyzer or urine test, despite asking. They put me in handcuffs, took me to jail and gave me a blood test, then through me in jail for about 12 hours. (I won't go into details, but it might be the worst night of my life. ) I was released with a restriction, that I cannot drive without a breathalyzer installed in my car. I am not worried about the eventual case, because I know I will pass the blood test. However in Tennessee it takes 20 weeks to get back a blood test!! So far, I have simply not used my car because the breathalyzer is expensive, and because of the hope that I can get the ridiculous breathalyzer requirement dropped at my arraignment on Jan 8. If that does not happen, I will choose to get the breathalyzer installed, because if I am waiting 5 months for my final court date, the ignition breathalyzer will save money over time.

Costs - Car Repair $3160 (my car was a gift, worth 10,000 and so I see it as worth fixing) For those of you in Oregon, Knoxville is not a city where it is functional to live without a car.

Lyft and bus use - $250 per month more than I would have spent driving, for 2 months - $500

$100 for pre trial service ($20 per month) I am amazed and angry that I have to pay the legal system for something I am not guilty of.

If I don't get my breathalyzer requirement waived, that will cost me $370 for the first month and $115 after that. I am not asking for this piece.

So 3160 + 500 +100 = $3760

Thanks for anything you can support me with, and again, only do this if it feels right. It is embarrassing to ask, but it is aligned with my values of wanting to support each other deeply in community.

Blessings,

Amanda