Thank you for taking the time to look at my fundraiser. If this has been shared to you by a mutual friend and you aren't acquainted with me, my name is Leslie Jackson and I go by Lee. To those that know me, thank you as well for your time too!

In September of last year, I had to escape my husband, Ryan. I had undergone nearly 6 years of a tumultuous relationship that worsened into an abusive marriage. Much of it occurred behind closed doors, but my closest friends and even his own family can attest that this was happening, as they also were targeted and experienced incredibly hostile communications from him, including threats. Although I was never physically harmed by him, the mental and emotional abuse was just as brutal as if I was.

After reaching a breaking point and fearing that I would end up physically harmed or possibly worse, I planned and began making arrangements to leave, which took me two to three months. When Ryan wasn't home, I had friends come and help me pack a small amount of my belongings and clothes. I was out in an hour. Once I was safe, he was informed that the marriage was over. I then spent the next few days staying with various friends in case Ryan tried to seek me out. I did not want him to find me, and I still don't.

Although at first he was uncharacteristically cooperative, once he received the separation paperwork, his true colors came through again and he has done everything possible to make things as hard as he can. He would constantly antagonize me through text messages when we had to discuss details of the divorce, harassed my lawyer, and eventually I had to go no-contact (with the exception of email for documentation and legal purposes) because my mental health continued to decline. I have since been established with behavioral health professionals that have assessed that I have extreme chronic post traumatic stress disorder, depression, and panic disorder as a result of the abuse I sustained. I am now on five different medications to manage my symptoms, as well as seeing a therapist.

In the state of South Carolina, a one-year separation is required before filing for divorce, and I am closing in on that one year mark. South Carolina also does not recognize mental or emotional abuse as one of the listed grounds for divorce, which is why the separation document says "irreconcilable differences." My lawyer requires a fee of $1,000 plus tax to begin and execute the process for me. Unfortunately, even with working two or sometimes three jobs, coming up with that kind of money is not easy for me due to several factors. Some of it is due to suffering from chronic pain (neuropathy), and financial debt that Ryan has put me in through his alcoholism and financial abuse.

I need help. I need to be free of him, and words cannot express my gratitude if you contribute to my fundraiser. I know some people that I will share this to are probably among those that Ryan tried to isolate me from, and have not heard from me consistently or think I abandoned them. I assure you I did not, I've just been going through the hardest thing I've ever had to go through in my life. I still have so much love for you.

Thank you for hearing my story and anything that you can give would be endlessly appreciated. Don't put yourself in a strain if you give when you comfortably shouldn't. This will be here even after September 7th if the goal hasn't been reached.