Donation protected
This is probably the hardest thing I've had to do in my life.
Asking for help from the community to help me out of a financial crisis.
I live full time in my converted motorhome, which is a 1996 Ford Econoline, 7.5L 460.
-The story-
I had gone to Arkansas to 'winter out' or escape most of the coldness of the winters.
While I was in Arkansas, the conditions were building against me remaining there.
Finding dozens of ticks, posion ivy, the extreme heat, flooding and trying to get away from a verbally abusive and manipulative person.
I stopped in with a tire shop and a mechanic - I pulled my codes, and I was prepared to make my way to Colorado for better living situations for my dog and my health.
I decided only to do an hour to two hour drives at a time. But it was the second day of traveling when things started turning south for me.
I developed a flat tire.
The next day : I drove through extreme winds that ripped the lid of my hatch off and it poured into my bus for hours. Finally, I ducked under a bridge and cried. I really thought that was the climax of all the excitement from making my way to Colorado.
On 5/17- I was driving on i70 doing 60-65mph, and all the sudden, I had acceleration issues. Upon coming around the front of my Bus - I discovered that I had excessive oil blown off. I found a place to park safely and established a tow. With my preferred mechanic, an hour and a half out.
I knew if this was a big issue, I'd only trust my mechanic. So I took the hit with the cost of the tow.
My tow cost me: $985.75! I paid it thinking that I would be reimbursed in up to three weeks. However, it was a few hours later that I was speaking with my Insurance Agent and they explained to me that I would only be receiving $50 reimbursement, I was crushed. This is money that I would desperately need to put towards my home repairs.
I
As I sit at the mechanics, after travels and my monthly expenses out of the way - I have less than $1k until my next VA disability payment on the first. It is so incredibly hard to ask the community for help - when I already know how hard times are for everyone.
After a diagnostic with the mechanic - and excessive blow-by. I was told that my home will need a new engine.
*****EDIT My mechanic has located and ordered the engine! It is to arrive 5/26-(?).
I am beyond despair. Please, anything will help. I've never been so desperate.
I thank you for spending the time to read this - being my friend, or apart of the community.
You are truly awesome! Thank you for your time.
I feel I will update this in the future.
Big time edit
My costs to keep afloat have started to seriously wow me.
Uber and Lyft cost so much!
Secondly, I had unexpected costs with the Airbnb. (More to share later).
I moved out- and moved in.
I will share an update tomorrow with my remaining cost at the mechanic.
Well thanks for your you, your time, your being.. I appreciate it.
Thank you.
May 26, 2022
May 27, 2022
She runs!!! New engine is in!
Needs tuned.
$ 3093.15 still owed.
VA paycheck: $3,330.00
Gas ᕙ(⇀‸↼‶)ᕗ.
Wednesday- June 1
More bad news for me. My catalytic converter was very clogged. It was discovered on a test run. It would have caught fire- next time driving.
Added $720 to my bill.
I've managed to raise money, and put my VA disability together and I'll be able to cover my bill! The next month is going to be down to a few hundred bucks- it's not going to be easy between cost of gas and food. But I have faith that I will make it through the month.
I can't begin to thank everyone for all the support. It has helped me financially and mentally. . Again thank you!
Organizer and beneficiary
Breane (Brax) Fillman
Organizer
Colorado Springs, CO
Christopher Ives
Beneficiary