The past two years have been incredibly hard for my kids and me. In January 2023, we lost our beloved 12-year-old dog to cancer. I did everything I could, maxing out credit cards and spending a lot on vet and ER visits, as well as medicine, to try to save him. Just a few months later, in May, my grandma passed away. She was a huge part of my kids’ lives, and we spent so much time with her. Then, only a week later, my friend of 23 years—who was like an aunt to my kids—passed away. With her family gone, I did my best to help her be placed to rest and to take care of her belongings.

In 2024, I became extremely ill and missed about two months of work. My tax return went straight to covering bills and food, and I’ve continued to do everything I can to keep things stable for my kids. Their oldest brother goes to school in Texas, and I pay for him to fly home three times a year so we can all be together. This year, my tax return was kept due to a filing error, and the money I was counting on to bounce back and give my kids a special Christmas is gone. I haven’t been able to get any presents, and I’m hoping for a Christmas miracle to lift their spirits and morale after everything they’ve been through.

The funds raised will go toward paying part of my son’s plane ticket, gifts, and a holiday meal for my kids. I want to give them the Christmas they deserve and a meal that brings us together. Thank you so much to anyone who can help us—your support means the world to me and my family. ❤️