My name is Rosemarie, and I’m a single mom to two amazing girls, Alexia and Mia. Life has been a constant challenge, especially since I became the full-time caregiver for my 15-year-old daughter, Alexia, who has a vasculitis condition, is nonverbal, and uses a wheelchair. My youngest, Mia, is 9, and her father is currently unable to help us. Every day is a struggle to get to the many appointments, treatments, and school drop-offs that are so important for my daughters’ health and well-being.

Without a reliable vehicle, I’ve had to depend on medical transport and public transportation, which means waking up before dawn, waiting for hours in the cold, and sometimes missing school or appointments altogether. There are weeks when we have appointments every day, and the stress of not knowing how we’ll get there is overwhelming. We’ve even caught illnesses like COVID and the flu from all the back and forth. On top of this, I’m dealing with court and CPS involvement, which adds another layer of stress and uncertainty to our lives.

Having our own car would mean so much to us. It would allow Alexia to rest until it’s time to leave, help us avoid long waits and exposure to illness, and give us the freedom to get groceries and run errands without asking for help. Most importantly, it would give me peace of mind knowing I can keep my girls safe and get them where they need to go. I’m doing everything I can to protect and care for my daughters, and I’m reaching out for help so we can have a more stable, hopeful future. Any support you can give would mean the world to us.