I’m beginning my semester of a Master’s program to become a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, currently maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA.

I have zero income and no family support. I’m a single 48-year-old male living alone with my best friend, Cedar-a six year old male golden retriever, doing this entirely on my own. Because I’m focused completely on giving my all to grad school and maintaining that GPA, I haven’t had the time or energy left over to earn enough money to cover my most basic needs—food, gas, insurance—and in recent months, I’ve been regularly going to bed hungry. Other weeks, I’m regularly forced to choose between gas or food for Cedar and I. No matter what, Cedar never goes even a day without food.

The demands of the program are only getting harder, and I’m reaching a point where I can’t keep pushing through on an empty stomach. It’s humbling and at times beginning to feel desperate, and I can feel real despair beginning to push in and trying to dash my hope and forward momentum.

I’m not asking for much—just enough for Cedar and I to eat properly, keep my phone on, keep my health and auto insurance, gas in the car and rent so I have a roof over my head until I graduate.

Once I’m a licensed therapist, my entire life focus will be to dedicate myself to helping others who are suffering. Right now, I’m the one who needs a little help to get to that place where I can give back in a meaningful way.

Even $5 or $10 makes a real difference for me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for caring ❤️ Wishing blessings of peace, joy, abundance and health for you and yours always.

love, Matthew & Cedar