I’m 19, Brain-Damaged, Alone, and Out of Time

Hi, my name is Aurora. I’m 19 years old, and I never thought I’d be in a position where I’d have to make one of these.

As of now, over $25,600 has been raised — and I truly can’t put into words how much that means to me. I can’t even begin to express how much gratitude I have for each and every one of you, hundreds of strangers have shown me more care and support than either of my parents have my entire life. I’ve updated my goal to $44,444, which reflects a more realistic estimate of what it will take to survive for one year — covering safe housing, emergency neurological care, transportation, and finally beginning to heal from a lifetime of trauma and medical neglect. In a perfect world, I would need closer to $60,000 just to live securely, not luxuriously, but simply to have my basic needs met without constant fear. Even asking for this much is incredibly hard for me. I don’t want to be here asking for help. But the truth is, I’ve run out of options, and this support could mean the difference between surviving and slipping through the cracks again. I’m sharing my story because I want to keep living and I’m so grateful to everyone who’s helping make that possible.

I’ve survived 16 traumatic brain injuries, been in multiple serious car accidents, and now I’m living in constant physical pain, confusion, and exhaustion. I experience symptoms like seizures, extreme head pressure, dizziness, brain fog, memory lapses, vision problems, constant tinnitus, and back pain so intense I can barely stand or sit up some days. Doctors have told me my brain may be sagging down onto my spine, and I’m showing signs of neurological and immune dysfunction, but I’ve been bounced between ERs and urgent cares without real answers or treatment, just mounting bills.

I was kicked out of both my parents’ homes as a minor and removed from their insurance without warning. I now have over $30,000 in medical debt, and some of it is already in collections. I’ve been completely cut off from family support and I’m trying to do all of this alone. I’m still in college, trying to survive, and because I’m taking over 6 units in college, I was denied EBT this term. I can’t even afford food for myself, and I will always make sure my emotional support cat eats first, because she’s my lifeline.

I’ve worked nonstop since I was 15, and bought my first two cars on my own. But after multiple accidents, I lost almost everything I put into them. I now have car payments, insurance, rent, and food to cover — while dealing with neurological damage and overwhelming physical pain.

I’ve never had a safety net. I’ve always tried to push through, to be strong. But right now, I need help. I’m not asking for comfort — I’m asking for survival.

Even if all you can do is read or share, thank you. You’re helping keep me alive.

With love,

Aurora

Where the money will go (updated breakdown):

I set my updated goal to $55,555 based on a full breakdown of what it will take to survive and recover for one year. Every dollar has a purpose. This is where it’s going:

• Medical Debt: I thought I owed around $27,000 in medical bills but after going through some of them, I now know I have well over $30,000 in bills from hospitals that never even helped me. Some are already in collections.

• Safe Housing: I need a secure, quiet place to live and recover — most move-in costs are $2,000–$3,000 minimum, and rent in safe areas starts around $1,800/month.

• Emergency Medical Reserve: For ambulance rides, specialist visits, brain scans, or medication that insurance won’t cover.

• Transportation: I rely on my car to get to appointments, pick up food, and survive. I’m paying $260/month for the car and $300/month for insurance.

• Medical Needs: I’ve been denied proper care for years. I need brain testing, specialist visits, and long-overdue treatment.

• Food & Daily Essentials: I lost EBT because of my school schedule. I need help covering food, hygiene, and household basics.

• Support for My Cat: My emotional support cat is everything to me — food, litter, and vet visits are part of my survival.

• Basic Life Costs: Laundry, clothing, medications, toiletries, and other forgotten but necessary expenses.

This isn’t about asking for luxury — it’s about staying alive long enough to finally heal and find a safe place I can start recovering.

Thank you so much for even taking the time to read this. With much love,

Aurora <3