I never thought I would find myself writing something like this, but right now, my family and some of the people closest to me are facing more than any of us can handle alone.

Over the past several months, I have watched people I love struggle through circumstances that are completely outside of their control. I have done everything I possibly can to help financially, but I have reached the point where I simply cannot carry this burden by myself anymore.

My brother is currently facing the possibility of losing his home. He suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident when he was only 18, and my mom has been responsible for much of his care ever since. She has spent years trying to keep things together for him while also dealing with her own health concerns. Now, we’re facing the possibility that he could lose the home that gives him some stability and security.

Our hope is to raise enough to help him keep his house, but if that isn’t possible, we want to at least be able to provide him with a safe roof over his head—even if that means finding a camper or another form of stable housing.

At the same time, my sister is a single mother raising four children, including a child with Down syndrome. She is already carrying an enormous amount of responsibility on her own, and she is now facing financial circumstances that could potentially put her and her children in the same position.

And then there is my best friend, who is like family to me. She was working full-time as a nurse at a prison before she was let go, leaving her without the income and benefits her family depended on. She recently underwent ankle surgery and has been unable to work while recovering. While recovering her ankle ended up pushing her out of work even further causing the loss of her job. She is also a mother of four children, meaning she is trying to heal while simultaneously trying to provide for her family.

These are not people who are looking for handouts. They are people who are doing their best to survive situations they never expected to be in.

I have been helping each of them as much as I can. I have used my own money to help with bills, necessities, and whatever emergencies I could manage. But after putting thousands of dollars on credit cards trying to keep everyone afloat, I have reached my limit. I would continue helping if I could, but financially, I simply don’t have anything left to give.

That’s why I’m swallowing my pride and asking for help.

Any money raised will go directly toward helping these families with the immediate necessities that are putting them at risk—housing, utilities, groceries, medical and recovery-related expenses, and other essential bills.

I know that times are difficult for so many people right now, and I don’t take a single donation for granted. Whether you can give $5, $20, $50, or more, every bit truly matters. And if you aren’t able to donate, simply sharing this fundraiser could potentially reach someone who can.

I am asking for help because these are people I love deeply, and I don’t want to stand by and watch them lose their homes or go without the things their children need when there may still be a way to help.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story, for sharing it, for donating if you’re able, and even just for keeping my family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

Anything helps. And right now, anything could make a life-changing difference. ❤️