Hi everyone,

This is really hard for me to write. I’ve always prided myself on being strong, resilient, and figuring things out no matter what life throws at me. But the truth is—I’ve reached a point where I can’t do it alone anymore. So, with a deep breath (and some tears), I’m reaching out.

The past few months have been the hardest of my life. After being forced to leave our home of five years, my family and I bounced between Airbnbs and hotels, trying to make it an “adventure” for the kids while holding onto hope for a promised house. That promise fell through, and we spent everything we had to find a new place. It still doesn’t quite feel like home, but we’re doing our best to settle in.

Just when I thought things were calming down, I lost my job—fired by someone I trusted deeply and worked my heart out for. No warning. No explanation. It was devastating. But I pushed forward, like I always do, and kept smiling for my kids.

Then my car broke down. Every penny I had scraped together to stay afloat went to repairs. And just when I started to breathe again, a small insurance mistake—$1.38 worth—snowballed into something I never could’ve seen coming. Now I’m facing a 34-day suspension of my car registration, meaning I’ll be without a car unless I can come up with money to rent one short-term.

This isn’t about convenience. I drive my kids to school every day, to work, and soon, to summer camp. Without a car, I can’t function as a parent or as someone trying to keep moving forward.

I’m humbly asking for help to aid in the cost of transportation in the form of Buses, car rental, Train, however I have to do it!. I’ve explored every option, and this feels like my last resort. If you can give, I’ll be forever grateful. If you can’t, sharing this message or sending love means just as much.

Thank you for reading, for not judging, and for supporting a mom who’s doing everything she can to give her kids a sense of normal in the middle of chaos.

With all my heart,

Ree (Maria)