My name is Bettie Cagle, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my sister, Suzanne Cagle, a loving mother who is navigating an incredibly difficult legal situation — one that involves protecting the future and emotional safety of her 16-year-old daughter. My nephew's recent Lupus diagnosis has added another layer of complexity.

We are raising $15,000 to cover critical court costs and legal fees to support Suzanne’s fight to create safety, stability, and freedom for herself and her kids.

This is time-sensitive, and we need to raise these funds within the next 10 days.

❤️‍ Their Story

Suzanne spent over 20 years in a marriage that took a deep toll — emotionally, physically, financially, and spiritually.

Despite chronic illness, constant migraines, and autoimmune symptoms, she showed up every single day for her children, for work, and for her family — from what we observed as little to no support from her husband, who didn't work for eight years after an injury.

After the passing of our mother, Suzanne held even more than anyone should have to carry.

She got laid off and got a new job within days.

She kept working.

She kept giving.

She kept trying to keep the peace.

She tried to work through grief and depression.

But it came at a cost.

We believe her ex has had a long history of unhealthy behavior — even before Suzanne. He had a prior marriage that also ended in divorce where fighting continued until their daughter turned 18. We observed, difficulties with their shared custody of his eldest daughter and what we thought was him using her as a tool of emotional manipulation against her mother. Now, with their children grown and starting to speak up about their experience with him, it's like we’re watching it all play out again with Suzanne’s children.

I believe I’ve watched as my niece and nephew shrink in his presence, their lack of participation when he was around. I’ve seen the element of control, the tension, the fear. I’ve felt the weight of helplessness after living with the fact that he really isolated Suzanne from all of us — speaking terribly about her, gaslighting, and turning moments into incessant fighting and threats. 

Now, he’s turning that same abusive energy on their kids. He is trying to force his presence on his teenage daughter, to control her, and shape to her world in the same way he did with Suzanne. He is still neglectful towards his teenage son, treating him as if he doesn’t matter, even through his recent Lupus diagnosis. This has all been the last straw for Suzanne, and she is looking to protect her children and herself from what we saw as years of emotional abuse.

How You Can Help

We are asking for $15,000 to:

Support legal filings and court-related costs

Help Suzanne and her kids create a stable, safe, new chapter of life to heal in peace

If you know Suzanne…

If you knew our mom, Patty Cagle, who would have protected her family with every fiber of her being…

If you’ve ever watched a woman or children try to survive under control and emotional abuse…

Please help. 

Every contribution matters. 

Every share matters. 

Every ounce of belief in Suzanne’s truth helps fuel the healing that’s long overdue.

Our family has held so much. We’ve endured years of separation, silence, and strain — all stemming from this dynamic. But we believe in each other. And we believe in breaking the cycle.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring.

And thank you, from the deepest part of our hearts, for helping us protect the light of these young kids’ lives and their futures and give Suzanne the chance to start again. 

With love and gratitude,

Bettie Cagle + Family