Lend a Hand to Monica and Mackenzie's Journey

Hi, my name is Faith and I am a friend of Monica Ramos and her sweet daughter, Mackenzie. We met at church about five years ago and became friendly right away. As many of you know Monica has been a nurse, caretaker and special needs Mama Bear for many years. Her Mama earned her angel wings nearly nine months ago and Monica and Mackenzie haven't been able to catch a break since. Months after she lost her mother she became unhoused (homeless). Unable to find even temporary housing, she was left with the decision of leaving her daughter with her father and has been living in her car for months now. She was embarrassed and ashamed to share that with me, but I saw her at the Food Bank line one day and when I said hello and offered to help take what little food she was able to get out to her car, I could see her belongings and laundry in garbage bags and boxes. As much as she tried to stall and make up an excuse as to what it all was in her car, she finally relented and let me know what's been going on. Since then she has tried to keep a smile on her face and get her daughter through each day as best as she can. She admitted her mental health has sharply declined and she is currently unable to work. Between trying to work on herself for the first time in her life and caring for an autistic teenager it is rather difficult for her to find a job with flexibility that will allow her to continue caring for her as she requires given Mackenzie is not independent with many things most teens are by now. She may never be fully independent, leaving Monica as a continued caretaker for the remainder of her life. In addition, Monica survived a brutal assault a few weeks ago on top of already being a domestic abuse survivor. Or at least she is on her way to surviving - no longer being a victim to the abuse back home. And then Mackenzie had a recent emergent lap chole last week. She is beyond burned out, yet continues to help others in big and small ways when and where she can, even though she needs a lot of help herself right now. Monica's well is all dried up from decades of giving to everyone around her, everyone but herself. We as her church family are here to help where we can, but I wanted to extend a link for her other friends and family to ask for your help as well.

When I spoke with Mackenzie yesterday she shared with me, through tears, that they didn't have money for the remainder of her ticket for her upcoming formal dance. Nor did they have money for a dress and shoes for her to purchase for the evening. Her school holds one dance per year, and she has been looking forward to the evening all school year. Monica tries to save every penny she makes doing odd jobs when she can, but it inevitably goes toward gas for her car or to buy necessities or food. She has never been one to ask for help - as many of you know. At least not until she is desperate. Even now, she doesn't want to burden anyone else with her problems and life challenges and she needs the help most of all. And sometimes "thoughts and prayers" just aren't enough.

That said, I would like to raise enough money for sweet Mackenzie to be able to attend her formal dance and for Monica to not have to scrounge for every penny to put gas in her car and eat a decent meal or two. And if we meet the goal she would have enough to get off of the streets for a few nights as well. With this being her first Mother's Day without her Mama here I worry about my sweet friend. She has exhibited such strength in her faith and strength in character in the years I have known her, I honestly don't know how she has done it, except by the strength of God through her. She has carried the weight of the world on her shoulders for such a long time. It is her turn now to let herself be taken care of.

She doesn't know I am starting this, but I suppose she will discover it soon. I know many of you have contributed to funds for her in the past, and she has always been overwhelmed with gratitude and humility through others' acts of giving. But I humbly ask you consider giving to her and her sweet girl again. Help ease this burden from them and give Monica one less thing to worry about. Even with being homeless she tries to have some semblance of normalcy for her daughter, and that's admirable. But sometimes to do that, we have to stick together and provide that help. She hasn't asked for it. She wouldn't. So I am asking for help on her behalf. And help for Mackenzie. She deserves to feel special for a night, and to spend her time like her friends and peers rather than worrying about her Mama.

God bless y'all for taking the time to read through this lengthy post and more importantly for your generosity. Monica has experienced SO much loss over the last few years. I think it's time we help add a little something back. Please join me in blessing this sweet family, and God be with you.