Help Nevin and His Caregiver During Recovery

Other people/places wanted to raise on our behalf but we thought it would be better coming from us.

Hi, I’m Kay, and I’m reaching out for support during an incredibly difficult time for my family. A little over four years ago, I fell in love with a little boy named Nevin (our families met and lived at the same hotel for years after losing our homes during COVID). I quickly become one of Nevin’s main caretakers and have been ever since. Nevin is the son of one of my best friends, who tragically passed away, and after all we’ve been through together, he feels like my own child. I cared for Nevin everyday for over a year before he started kindergarten in September 2024. Shortly after, Nevin went into remission (from Leukemia). But just a few months ago, we received devastating news: Nevin has relapsed and will now need a stem cell transplant. After the procedure, he will need to isolate for 9 months, and I am the one who will care for him during this critical time.

The Need for Help:

After Nevin’s mother passed away, I stepped in to help care for him, prioritizing his well-being and providing emotional and physical support to both him and my own children. During the first year that I was caring for Nevin, I enrolled in online school which was a huge personal sacrifice as I always hoped to attend in person once my kids were old enough. Instead, I had to adjust to an online format while balancing the care of my children. I had also just left my toxic marriage and had planned to find a job and put my kids in daycare, but instead, I chose to stay home to care for Nevin so his father (Mike) wouldn’t have to move him to Florida for additional help. While this decision was made out of love, it came at a huge cost for my own family. Staying home has allowed me to work from home when possible, but it has compromised my financial stability. We lost our car after me finding a place far from family and friends, my daughters had to give up extra activities like dance and daycare for my youngest (she is stuck home alone every day), our support network is out of reach, and we lost our independence. Putting Nevin first also took a toll on my personal well-being. I struggle with many health issues, including a cyst on my brain, and have had to put off getting the care I need. It has been difficult to be far from loved ones in a new and unsafe city with no vehicle and little kids, relying on Mike who has limited time. These sacrifices have been incredibly hard on my children and me.

The Impact on My Family:

When I first got my apartment after my divorce, I had the opportunity to start my life over and reclaim my newfound freedom. But instead of beginning this new chapter, I chose to put my own plans on hold to care for Nevin full-time, which impacted both me and my children and came with significant sacrifices physically, emotionally, and financially. We lost our sense of normalcy. In September 2024, Nevin and my oldest daughter started school, and I was able to stop watching Nevin full-time to focus on rebuilding our lives. I started finding daycare, securing work, and getting back on track with school. Just as we were making progress, we learned that Nevin had relapsed. Now, I must pause my plans again to care for him during his stem cell transplantation and 9-month isolation. This time, I want to make sure my own family is taken care of while I focus on Nevin’s recovery. We’ve been through so much already, and I want to make sure that my children have what they need while I care for Nevin.

Why I Need Your Support:

Due to everything, it has been a struggle getting back on my feet financially. With the added responsibility of caring for Nevin again, I need help to provide for my children’s basic needs, ensure our safety, and cover any additional expenses during this critical time. Your support will allow me to focus on Nevin’s care without worrying about how we will make ends meet.

Nevin will also be undergoing radiation to battle the leukemia which will jeopardize his future fertility. We are having a procedure done called testicular tissue cryopreservation. We will be taking and freezing some of his tissue to preserve fertility options for the future. We have been fortunate enough for insurance to cover most of Nevin’s medical expenses, however, we will need around two thousand dollars for the transportation of tissue and testicular sperm banking (which is needed by 3/28/25).

Any donation, no matter how small, will go directly to securing Nevin’s future fertility and then to supporting my family’s well-being during this critical time. We have gone through all the options and this is what is best for Nevin in many ways. Your support plays a crucial role in me being able to be there for Nevin. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read our story and for any help you can provide. Your generosity will make an enormous difference as we navigate this incredibly difficult journey.