For thirteen years, I stood beside my mother as her caregiver, advocate, and steady support through strokes, recovery, and eventually dementia.

When her health first began to decline, I stepped in to help her remain safe and independent. What began as support gradually became full-time caregiving. I moved in with her, helped her through rehabilitation, and stayed present as her needs increased over time. My priority was always her dignity, stability, and quality of life.

To do this, I stepped away from my career in mental health and chose work that allowed me to remain available to her. It was not the easiest path, but it was the right one.

Eventually, her care needs exceeded what could be safely managed at home, and she transitioned to an assisted living facility. The cost was a bit over $6,500 per month. Her income covered part, my sister contributed what she could, and I personally took on debt to ensure she continued receiving the care she needed.

During those years, with limited income and full-time caregiving responsibilities, I also fell behind on my student loans. The accumulating interest has added another layer of financial pressure as I work to regain stability.

For the past three years, I have been steadily paying down the personal debt I incurred for her care while also addressing my student loans. I have honored those responsibilities while rebuilding my health, my career, and my financial footing. I do not regret these choices. Caring for her was an act of love, responsibility, and commitment.

Now, I am rebuilding my own foundation. The remaining debt—both from her care and from the student loans that grew during those caregiving years—is the final piece of that chapter. Resolving it will allow me to move forward fully—toward financial stability, secure housing, reliable transportation, and a future I can invest in with confidence.

I am working, rebuilding, and moving forward with purpose. This fundraiser exists to help close the remaining financial gap created during those thirteen years of caregiving, so I can step fully into the next phase of my life.

If you feel moved to support or share this, I am deeply grateful. Every act of support helps transform years of sacrifice into a future built on stability and strength.

Thank you for being part of that forward movement.