My name is KJ. I'm a single parent, and I need to ask for help.

Here’s the TL: DR or One Paragraph Summary:

In September 2024, our lives changed drastically. My child, Sky, began a heartbreaking journey into physical disability after a COVID infection triggered severe chronic health complications, and at the very same time, Hurricane Helene displaced us from our home resulting in our relocation to a new state in search of safety and stability. Before all of this, Sky was an active, vibrant teenager; now they live with chronic pain, crushing fatigue, and a complex array of debilitating symptoms that have left them mostly homebound and unable to attend school in person for more than a year. The emotional and financial weight of this season has been immense. Between medical expenses, relocation costs, and lost income from caring for Sky while working multiple jobs without paid time off, I am carrying more than $8,000 in debt just trying to keep us afloat. I am reaching out for community support to help cover essential living expenses, medical care, and housing costs, while also allowing me the flexibility to continue showing up fully for Sky as their advocate, caregiver, and parent. More than anything, I want to help Sky remain connected to their education, their community, and the possibility of joy and healing as we move through this incredibly difficult chapter together.

And here’s the more detailed version of our story:

Sky is 14 1/2 years old and prior to Sept 2024, was an active neurodivergent middle schooler who swam, went to summer camp, and hung out with friends all the time. Now, Sky is a disabled teen who stays home almost exclusively and witnessing this has been scary and heartbreaking.

What we currently understand is the COVID infection in Sept of '24 triggered for Sky: “Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction” and autoimmune conditions that were dormant. On a daily basis, Sky deals with any number of symptoms that range from:

Sky has a wheelchair and a walking cane for the rare, precious days we can leave the house together. Most days, we don't.

But here is what keeps me going…

Sky's cardiologist said there is an 80% chance Sky will heal from most of these symptoms in the next 4 years. We just have to survive these four years.

The financial reality is crushing us.

In 2025, we were grateful to have insurance, but it wasn’t comprehensive. Sky received over $70,000 of medical treatment that year alone. But I am still drowning in debt from all of the copays, the cost of medical equipment, prescriptions, supplements, travel to specialists, and court-related travel. I continue to lose income from taking time off work to bring Sky to countless medical appointments and physical therapy; however, nothing is more vital than supporting Sky in getting the best medical care possible. Richmond, VA is bountiful with excellent healthcare, and they are providing Sky excellent care.

Currently, I am carrying $8,000 of debt—all of it accrued post-Hurricane Helene from moving, housing, and medical expenses.

What your help will do

I am bone-tired. I fight invisible battles on multiple planes every single day: advocating for Sky's health and well-being, navigating the school system, caring for Sky and the emotional support animals in our life, managing my own chronic migraines, and trying to survive this economy alone.

I’ve been working as an independent contractor and educator at a local school for students with special needs, as an infant care provider, as a professional face painter, and teaching swim lessons. Sky does okay when I leave to go to work; however, Sky thrives when I am able to be home more. Having companionship, receiving ongoing care for their physical needs, and receiving encouragement on small daily goals is what this fourteen-year-old truly needs. Will you help me provide that for Sky? It’s my highest priority to build a life where Sky stays part of the community—academically, physically, and emotionally—despite physical limitations.

Your donations will allow us to:

Pay down the $8,000 debt so I can breathe and it will stop accruing interest

Allow me to take occasional unpaid time off work to get Sky to specialists, attend advocacy meetings at school, and be present for Sky at home

Help cover medical expenses insurance doesn’t cover

Help cover monthly expenditures including rent ($1600/month), utilities (~$350/month), transportation ($600/month), pet care ($75/month), food ($150/month), clothing ($50/month), household essentials ($50/month), and insurances ($150/month).

Asking for help is scary and vulnerable. I know things are tight for everyone. Please do not overextend yourself to help us. But if you have the means, I am going to be honest: there is literally no way we can continue to survive without external community support. Will you please help me carry this?

Thank you for caring about us. Thank you for showing us love in the ways you can. So many people have helped us over these past twenty months, and your gifts fuel my heart with hope. I am humbled. I am exhausted. I will continue to advocate for my child with every ounce of energy I have to give.

With deep gratitude,

KJ

Other ways to help:

Sharing this with others or groups that you're in is so valuable and appreciated!

Want to skip the GFM but still make a donation?

Venmo is: @kjcultivates

Cashapp is: $Kjswimpaint

Paypal is: kjcultivates at gmail

Zelle is: my phone number (please email me if you need it)

Grocery/Dining gift cards are very helpful and can be sent to kjcultivates at gmail

Calls, video chats, texts, letters, and small care packages to Sky (who loves crafting) are always appreciated!

Local to Richmond? Helping me find face painting jobs in this new-to-me market is so helpful! My face painting business is on Instagram @FacePaintingAsheville

Trusted locals - we also love to have scheduled visitors come over for board games and connection

Know of organizations that provide grants to families in situations like ours? Please send them our way

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!