Help Val Replace Her Prius’ Catalytic Converter

Hi everyone, my name is Maria and I am fundraising for my partner, Val, to help her pay for the costs of a stolen catalytic converter on her 2005 Toyota Prius. We had just come home from a weekend trip out of town and found a suspicious brick underneath one of her back tires (see image below).

We didn't think much of it at the time, but as she started the car, the engine sounded like a rocket ship explosion. At that point, it was clear that the emissions-control device, valued for its precious metals, was stolen and whoever put the brick behind her tire used it to help jack up the car and rip out the converter. These converter thefts have been on the rise across the country in the past decade, but have been surging since the start of the pandemic (see article on NYTimes).

After calling different auto repair shops, we have learned that given the rising number of these cases, the increased demand for this particular repair service, and the low supply of necessary parts, we will have to pay at least a few thousand dollars to replace the catalytic converter and add a protective device to prevent future thefts. Unfortunately, we do not have these funds and would like to request the help of family and friends so that we can get it repaired as soon as possible. As anyone who's been in LA knows, it's practically impossible to get anywhere in the city without a car, and with Val returning to in-person work, it is imperative that she has a functioning vehicle.

As her partner, I find it extremely difficult to see her deal with the financial burden of this unexpected emergency. Anyone who knows her in any capacity knows that she is the kind of person who will give her all to help others yet hardly ever asks others for help in fear of inconveniencing them. Her self-effacing kindness, generosity, and care for others are why I love her so much and why I want to do whatever I can to help her out. If I had the means, I'd not only fix her Prius, but also make sure she gets a VIP limo ride to work every day (lol). So please, could you help me help Val? Any little bit would mean so much. Thank you so much for your donation and for taking the time to read this story.

(P.S. If you prefer sending Val money directly, you can Venmo her: @valtaylor)