Help Shasta's Sister rebuild after tragedy

Hello friends and family,

I’m finally at a point where I can sit down and write something. This has not been an easy journey.

As many of you know, my oldest sister, Shasta, left us on April 12th, 2025. Losing her has been devastating. I would never wish this grief on anyone. The emotional ups and downs are exhausting. Navigating each family member’s unique grief, while trying to respect and support them, is exhausting. Being present for my nieces—who are now facing life without their mother—has been both deeply meaningful and incredibly draining.

I’ve found some comfort in grief support groups and connecting with others who’ve been through similar loss. It’s helped my mental state more than I can say. I’m currently on a waitlist to start seeing a grief counselor regularly.

In the months leading up to Shasta’s death, life had already begun to unravel. I lost my full-time job and started a part-time one in February. That same month, I began working with a family going through their own mental health crisis. In March, a close friend attempted to take their life. And in April, Shasta died by suicide.

Still, I believe everything happens for a reason. Because I lost my full-time job, I was able to be more available to help others. I supported the family I was working with, helped my friend through treatment and recovery—including cleaning her home, bringing her family into town, and offering constant support. When Shasta passed, I was able to spend nearly two weeks in Maryland caring for my nieces and being with my family. I’ve made countless trips back and forth to be with the girls during this heartbreaking transition: adjusting to life without their mom, ending the school year, and now relocating to Iowa—leaving behind everything and everyone they know.

I feel incredibly blessed to have had the time to show up for others in their darkest moments. But that time has come with a heavy cost.

Financially, I’m struggling. I’ve barely scraped by to keep gas in my tank for all the trips to Maryland. Two weeks ago, I finally found the mental space to update my resume and have since sent out over 100 job applications. I’m trying to rebuild. But the truth is: I need help.

The financial stress, on top of the emotional grief, is overwhelming. I’m in major debt. My credit has taken a huge hit. I’ve delayed payments, bills have gone to collections, and my car—now with 235,000 miles—urgently needs repairs (brakes, rotors, and two front tires). I need to catch up on my car payments to avoid losing it altogether. Without a reliable car, I can’t get to interviews or a new job when one comes through.

I am asking for help in any way you’re able:

Assistance with car repairs

Support catching up on overdue payments

Contributions to help reduce some of my debt so I can rebuild credit and eventually get a more reliable vehicle

If you’ve read this far, thank you. Thank you for caring, for holding space, and for being part of my community. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever lived through—but I know I’m not alone.

With love and gratitude,