Hi, my name is Michelle, and asking for help like this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I’m running out of strength, hope, options, and time — and I don’t know where else to turn.

My health has always been fragile. After a flood in 2008, things slowly got worse. Then in 2014, when I moved into my current home, everything began to spiral. I didn’t know there was mold hidden in the bathrooms, kitchen, and attic—or that breathing it for years would eventually devastate my health.

I spent nearly a decade getting sicker with no answers. I was dismissed, gaslit, blamed, and told “nothing is wrong” while my body kept shutting down. It wasn’t until much later that I learned I have mold toxicity, a condition most doctors aren’t trained to recognize. I also recently learned I’m Autistic with ADHD, which explains why my body reacts so intensely and why my system became overwhelmed so quickly.

Then everything fell apart in February 2024.

My husband had double heart bypass surgery — and just two days later, I completely crashed. I lost mobility. I lost stamina. I could barely walk or function. We were both sick at the same time, with no way to care for each other.

We were fortunate to stay with my mother-in-law for 30 days so Michael could safely recover, but once we came home, reality hit hard: the financial strain, my physical decline, the daily mold exposure, and the fact that neither of us was well enough to keep up.

Michael is 57 and works 40–60 hours a week on a ranch. He is doing everything he can, and I want people to know that. But I worry the mold is affecting him now too. His immune system is still recovering from major heart surgery, and lower immunity makes him more vulnerable than he ever was before.

For the last 21 months, I have tried every resource available. I’ve called agencies, searched for programs, and asked for help everywhere. Insurance will not cover mold remediation. Even if it did, they only repair the bare minimum—often incorrectly—which can actually make the mold worse. We can’t do this halfway. We need to repair things safely and properly, and that requires funds we simply don’t have.

We don’t have friends or family who can step in financially. We are at the end of our rope. This fundraiser is truly our last hope.

The mold is in multiple areas of the home:

• Main bathroom — the original black mold; half-renovated since Oct 2023; no working tub/shower

• Master bathroom — old mold was never repaired correctly; new mold is coming through

• Attic — unknown spread; leak from AC drip pan

• Kitchen — mold behind and under cabinets from past leaks

• Belongings — cross-contaminated from years of exposure

Every day I stay here, I get a little worse.

The fatigue is crushing.

My mobility is declining.

Some days I can barely get out of the bed.

I can no longer safely clean, cook, or manage basic tasks.

I need caregiving support several days a week, but we can’t afford it.

Even $5,000 would immediately change my life — enough to fix the main bathroom so I can have one safe place in the home to breathe and bathe.

But realistically, repairing the bathrooms, attic, kitchen, and contaminated belongings — plus hiring cleaners and caregiving — easily exceeds $100,000+.

My dream, the thing that would truly save my life, would be to move to a clean, safe home where I can finally heal. That would take close to $1-$2 million, including safe furnishings. I know that number is huge. That’s why I’m starting small — with what can help me survive month to month.

If you can’t donate, there are other ways to support me. I have an Amazon Wish List, an Etsy shop, Redbubble and TeePublic stores, and a donation page on my blogs where I share more of my story. Sharing this fundraiser helps more than you know.

I’m asking for help because I want to live.

I want to be here for my husband, my children, and my grandchildren.

I want to heal.

I just need a chance and a safe place to do it.

Thank you for reading and for caring.

Your kindness means more than you will ever know. ❤️

The damage is widespread and getting worse:

1. Main Bathroom Remediation — $5,000

This bathroom had the original black mold. It needs proper removal, repair, sealing, and safe rebuilding so I have one clean room in the house to breathe and bathe safely. It's been half renovated since 10\2023

2. Master Bathroom Remediation — $3,000–$5,000

This bathroom had mold years ago, it was not repaired correctly. You can see the mold coming back. This is the bathroom I use :(

3. Attic Mold Removal — $20,000–$50,000 ?

The attic contamination affects the entire house. Safe cleanup is critical for my health and my husband’s immunity after heart surgery. AC drip pan leak.

4. Kitchen Mold Removal & Cabinet Replacement — $10,000–$25,000

The mold behind and under the cabinets needs full removal, and the cabinets must be replaced to prevent regrowth. Dishwasher and other leaks.

5. Deep Cleaning & Decontamination — $250–$300 per visit

A cleaning service is needed weekly or every other week.

This keeps mold spores from spreading while repairs are happening. Dust also makes my condition worse so I'm not able to come in contact with dust.

6. Part-Time Caregiving Support — $15–$20 per hour

I need help 2–3 days a week for 4–6 hours per day for:

cooking

light cleaning

mobility assistance

daily tasks

This gives my husband relief after long shifts on the ranch.

7. Mobility & Safety Equipment — varies

This includes items like a walker with four wheels (on my Amazon Wish List) to help me safely move around the house.

8. Replacement of Contaminated Belongings — varies

All the household items need to be replaced after remediation to prevent re-exposure. :(

9. Eventually — Moving to a Safe Home (Long-Term Goal)

If enough is ever raised, my dream is to relocate to a clean home where I can truly heal.

This is estimated at $1–2 million including safe furnishings. It's so much Because even new homes don't come mold free. And remember all of my furnishings have to be replaced as well. :(

⭐ Every single dollar helps me breathe easier, stay safer, and prevent further decline. Even small donations go directly toward creating a livable, safe environment so I can continue fighting for my health. I take zero prescriptions which means I take supplements that all cost money out of my own pocket. And I've already had to buy several devices such as dehumidifiers and other products to help keep the air and myself as clean and healthy as possible.

Read my entire Story in my blogs

Thank you