Hi everyone,

This isn’t an easy thing for me to write. I’ve always been someone who tries to handle things on my own, but I’ve reached a point where I need to ask for help.

I’m raising funds to recover from job loss, unexpected medical expenses, and earthquake damage as I work to rebuild my life here in Bangkok.

Before 2025, life was steady — not easy, but stable. I was working for a U.S.-funded humanitarian organization providing support to refugees and displaced people from Myanmar. It wasn’t high-paying work, but it was meaningful and gave me a sense of purpose. I lived simply, managed my expenses carefully, and felt grounded.

Then, in July 2025, everything changed. My position was cut due to U.S. foreign aid reductions — something completely beyond my control. Losing that job meant losing my income and my health insurance, all at once. Living paycheck to paycheck, even a short gap in work quickly became overwhelming.

Here in Thailand, the social safety net is much thinner than in the United States, and expats have very limited access to local unemployment or social benefits. That gap has made this crisis far harder to navigate—there isn’t much of a system to catch you if you lose your job and your insurance.

Around the same time, an earthquake earlier in 2025 caused structural damage to my apartment. Although the epicenter was across the border in Myanmar, the shockwaves reached Bangkok. A structural engineer confirmed that repairs are needed to make my home safe, estimated between $7,500 and $10,000. Unfortunately, insurance covers only a small portion, and without an income, I have been able to move forward with only minor repairs.

On top of that, February and March of 2026 brought unexpected and significant medical expenses that my current insurance policy does not fully cover. These costs added another layer of financial strain at a time when I was already trying to stay afloat.

Since then, I’ve done everything I can to live as modestly as possible, but even the basics — rent, food, and utilities — add up. I’ve accumulated debt simply by trying to survive the day to day, and high interest rates have made it nearly impossible to catch up.

The stress has also taken a toll on my mental health. Losing access to therapy and robust health coverage has made it difficult to find the support I need, though I continue to do my best to stay resilient and hopeful.

I’ve been job hunting full-time — seven days a week — spending long days applying, writing cover letters, and going through interview processes. I’ve been shortlisted several times, but haven’t yet secured a permanent role. I’m doing everything I can to turn things around.

How the funds will be used:

1. Covering basic living expenses (rent, food, utilities, etc.)

2. Paying down high-interest debt

3. Addressing necessary medical expenses

4. Making essential earthquake-related home repairs

The immediate priority is stabilizing my financial situation by addressing debt and essential expenses, while also working toward making my home safe again.

The fundraising goal is now set at $25,000, which reflects the full scope of these needs — including debt, medical costs, home repairs, and basic living expenses as I continue my job search and work toward regaining stability.

This has been one of the most difficult periods of my life, but I’m committed to moving forward. Reaching out like this isn’t easy, but I’ve realized that sometimes we all need a hand to climb out of a difficult place.

If you’re able to contribute, please know that every bit truly helps. And even if you can’t donate, sharing this campaign can make a real difference — you never know who might see it and feel moved to help. Compassion often comes from the most unexpected places.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any support you can offer. It truly means more than I can express.

With gratitude,

Brent