I have started this crowdfunding campaign to help my mom. She has kept us afloat for the past few years after our family was separated because of a hospitalization. Then she managed her grief and the stability of her mental health (on top of adult duties) while helping me and my sisters stay connected and as emotionally healthy as possible.

It didn't matter that another adult (my grandfather) had flown out to help support her while she finished recuperating and went about her plan to solve the problems she was hospitalized for. So, to “help” her with her trauma, the court further traumatized us all by separating us. My sisters moved to another state to accommodate my stepfather.

My mom is the type of person that believes she shouldn't have a crowdfunding campaign because she must earn everything she gets. She has focused on her healing, on uplifting others on their mental health and self-growth journey, and on making money with her business, despite her disability and the constraint of her every move being under a microscope.

After the hospitalization my mom has been subjected to manipulation and stigma by those involved with the case (She’s also BIPOC, Queer, and one of the kindest people I know). My mom told my stepfather that she was starting a business, and he took this to mean she was finished being a mother. You only have to speak to her; really speak to her to see there is no way that could be true.

I have watched my mom grow and rebuild herself during this emotionally distressing time. I have seen her show her resilience over and over again by refusing to give up or to give in to hate upon those oppressing her. I have watched my sisters ignore and defy their father and tell him they still want to live with our mom.

My sisters and I can't wait anymore. I can't watch my family continue to be negatively influenced by my stepfather, in addition to those who support his actions, or see my sisters being coerced to turn away from the safest place and most vital relationships they have in the world.

I'd greatly appreciate any help you are able to give to help me and my mom pay for our legal fees so our family can heal and my mom can finish taking herself back from the choices she made before she knew how to stand up to and no longer tolerate abuse.  I ask for community to help us get what we need to heal our trauma.