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.

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 extreme head pressure, dizziness, brain fog, memory lapses, vision problems, constant tinnitus, and back pain so intense I can barely stand or sit some days. Doctors have told me my brain may be sagging 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—just mounting bills.

I was kicked outta my both my parents house as a minor and off their insurance without warning me. Now I have over $20,000 in medical debt, some of which has already gone to collections. I’ve also been completely cut off from family support and am trying to do all of this alone. I’m still in college, trying to survive, and because I’m taking more than 6 units, I was denied EBT this term. I can’t even afford food, for myself, and I will always take care my emotional support cat first because she is literally my best friend and my lifeline.

I’ve spent the last few years working since I was 15, nonstop, saving up, and even bought my first two cars on my own. But after everything I’ve been through, I wasn’t even able to recover half of what I put into them. Now I have to make car payments, pay insurance, find housing, eat, survive, and keep up with school—all while in physical agony and worsening health.

I’ve never had a support system. I’ve never had a safety net. I’ve always tried to be the strong one, the one who keeps going. But right now, I need help. I’m asking for support not just to get back on my feet, but to stay alive.

Even if all you can do is read this or share the link, I want you to know it means more than I can express.

Thank you for seeing me,

with love, Aurora

Exactly Where all the $$ will go:

I set the goal high at $25,000 because honestly, I need help with a lot right now. Here’s exactly where every dollar will go:

• Medical Debt & Collections: Over $20,000 total. I’ve been through multiple hospital visits, scans, and urgent care visits I had no choice but to go to, and now I’m drowning in bills I can’t pay. Some have already been sent to collections.

• Housing Support: I need help covering move-in fees, deposits, and first month’s rent so I can secure a safe place to live. Most places require at least $1,500–$2,500 upfront just to move in, even for the cheapest units.

• Moving Costs: I’ll need to rent a moving van and cover basic supplies. I’m doing all of this alone.

• Food & Essentials: I lost my EBT because I’m in college full-time (over 6 units), and the rules changed. So I have zero help right now covering food, for myself and my emotional support kitty, who is my absolute best friend.

• Car Payment & Insurance: I’ve already spent over $18,500 on two cars I bought completely myself, but after multiple tragic accidents I didn’t get even close to half that back. I’m trying to keep up with my current leased car and insurance just so I can get to school, appointments, and work.

• Hygiene & Daily Needs: Basic things like shampoo, soap, pads, laundry money, toilet paper, and clothing

• Doctor Visits & Health Needs: I lost my good insurance when I was kicked outta my parents, and I need to see a doctor who actually listens and cares. I also need to see an eye doctor, my vision is worsening, and I can’t afford a new prescription or an updated exam.

I’m just 19 years old and doing my absolute best to stay in school, keep surviving, and not give up. Every single dollar donated makes a real difference. You’re not just helping me, you’re helping keep me alive.

Thank you for even reading this. I mean that with my whole heart.