Hi, I’m Kendra. This year has been the hardest I’ve ever faced, but also the most transformative. I’m finally safe, finally healing, and finally trying to rebuild a life that feels whole again. But the fallout from abuse, the legal system, and months of medical and financial crises have left me in a place where I need help to keep going.

I had to leave my abusive relationship because my safety—and my sanity—were at stake. The abuse wasn’t just emotional; it was controlling, manipulative, and at times physically threatening. I had to call the police to protect myself, and even after leaving, navigating court and protective orders has been retraumatizing. My life has been in constant upheaval since then, and the consequences have affected my work, my health, and my ability to survive day-to-day.

Even in the darkest moments, I have been so grateful for everyone who has helped me in any way. Whether it was a ride, a meal, emotional support, helping me move, or just listening, every act of kindness has been a lifeline. I wouldn’t be here without the people who showed up when I needed them most, and I want to honor that generosity by continuing to fight for stability and healing.

This year has been a whirlwind of loss and survival. My car was totaled in an accident, and both of my partner Sam’s cars were also totaled, leaving us with no reliable transportation. Getting to work, therapy, court, medical appointments, and even basic errands became almost impossible, and Ubering everywhere on a low income drained every last resource I had.

The physical and emotional toll caught up with me in ways I never expected. I broke bones, got sick repeatedly, and finally, at work, I had a complete breakdown—everything I had been holding together finally collapsed. That’s when I was admitted inpatient for a short psychiatric hospitalization, my “grippy sock vacation,” to keep myself safe. Since February, I’ve been in weekly therapy and am now in a Partial Hospitalization Program, soon transitioning to Intensive Outpatient three times a week for the next several months.

I still haven’t fully healed. My finger and foot injuries require physical therapy that I haven’t been able to complete, and I’m navigating the slow process of applying for disability while trying to keep up with living costs. Despite raising my credit nearly 100 points through sheer determination, the endless emergencies this year have caused it to start dropping again. The system has failed me repeatedly, and I’ve been doing everything I can to stay afloat while rebuilding my life from scratch.

Even with all of this, I am looking toward the future. I hope to return to school for a career that is less physically demanding, while keeping esthetics and makeup as a joyful passion rather than a source of stress. I’m determined to build a life where I can thrive, not just survive, but I can’t do it alone.

I’m asking for help with transportation, rent, medical expenses, physical therapy, and basic living costs while I focus on healing through PHP/IOP. I also need help replacing essentials lost in my multiple moves and preventing my credit from collapsing further. Any support—donations, shares, or even a word of encouragement—helps more than I can express.

I am endlessly grateful to anyone who has helped me in any capacity this year. Your kindness, support, and compassion have been the lifelines keeping me moving forward. Thank you for being part of my journey toward safety, stability, and rebuilding a future where I can finally thrive.