Help Wendy Rebuild After Escaping Abuse

I never thought I’d be here—writing this, asking for help like this. As a professional fundraiser, I’ve spent years helping others tell their stories, raise money, and build back from crisis. I’ve always believed there was a “right way” to get support. I never imagined I’d be the one on the other side of the screen, creating a GoFundMe for myself.

But here I am. Because I have no other option.

For over two years, I was in a relationship marked by manipulation, isolation, and extreme violence. I finally found the strength to leave earlier this year when the abuse reached a terrifying peak. I ran for my life—literally—and have spent the past few months trying to piece together the parts of myself and my life that were broken.

Now I’m facing urgent, unexpected financial challenges that I cannot overcome alone. The reality is: when you leave abuse, you don’t just walk away from a person—you walk away from your home, your stability, your income, your sense of safety. And rebuilding costs more than I ever imagined.

I need immediate support for:

• One month of rent

• Legal expenses and safety planning

• Emergency bills and basic necessities

• Therapy and healing resources

I am doing everything I can to move forward, find work, and create stability—but I’m at a breaking point. I’ve always believed in community, and now I have to lean on it in the most vulnerable way.

If you can give—anything, truly—it will help me breathe, rest, and keep going. If you can’t give, sharing this helps more than you know.

Thank you for seeing me, believing me, and walking with me through this.

With all my heart

Wendy