Firstly, I sincerely thank you for taking the time to visit this fundraiser and hear my story.

Secondly, even if you cannot donate, I ask that you please share this fundraiser along with my story.

Six years ago, in 2018, I made the courageous decision to break free from an environment of sexual, financial, and physical abuse, determined not to subject my four children to such unhealthy family dynamics. At the time, I was a full-time mother, a choice made in the best interest of our family's well-being. When I decided to leave the relationship, I found myself left without a vehicle for my family and deprived of most of our belongings, which were placed in an unknown storage facility by my spouse & subsequently auctioned off. Later, I would face malicious reports to child services, threats, and more. Despite it all, I persisted. However-- the cruelty didn't stop.

On July 8th, 2020, during the height of the pandemic, my former spouse refused to return our eldest child, Aaron, after an overnight visit. Since that day, Aaron has been kept away from his home, his siblings, and his mother.

What ensued was the fight of a lifetime, fought through a legal system that seemed to have lost its compass. This included enduring a temporary court order that dragged on for an agonizing 2-year long period. Finally, the ordeal concluded with a shocking judgment granting my ex-husband sole custody of Aaron. This decision, devoid of any evidence of wrongdoing on my part, is not just unusual—it's heartbreakingly unjust. Beyond unfairness, the act of separating a child from his mother and siblings is both cruel and emotionally detrimental.

My story is not an isolated incident. It is a part of a larger trend where women often find themselves torn between their freedom and the well-being of their families versus staying in abusive situations to avoid financial abuse and other forms of mistreatment that occur when they lack financial independence. Research shows that socioeconomic status is a major factor when it comes to access to legal representation and court decisions, a fact that has greatly impacted my access to quality legal representation. Without proper financial avenues to keep up with legal fees and lawyers, many women, like me at the time, are forced to represent themselves, exposing them to further inequalities within the legal system.

Despite the havoc this situation has wrought these past years, I have done my due diligence to navigate the situation. I remain steadfast and resolute, refusing to accept this injustice including legal misconduct in the handling of my case. Despite not having any history of abuse, neglect, substance abuse, or mental illness, my child was ripped away from a loving home, a home where I continue to care for and nurture his siblings.

Will you help me bring Aaron home? Your support is vital as I continue to fight this battle. Donations will aid in covering the mounting expenses of this legal battle—court fees, lawyer costs, and potentially insurmountable visitation fees. While I've poured every resource into this fight-- I realize that I cannot continue to do this alone.

If you are able please contribute to our cause. No amount to too small. Every donation brings us closer to justice, to reuniting a mother with her son and beginning the healing process within our family. If you are unable to donate, I implore you to share our story. I know that together, we can make a difference.

With deep gratitude,

Courtney