Sandra's Fight: Support for Abused Teen

Hi, my name is Sandra Sapol, and I’m reaching out with a heavy heart and a strong hope that our community can come together to support someone who deeply deserves a chance at a better future.

Just one week ago, my son’s best friend, Casey Mercado — an 18-year-old recent high school graduate — arrived at our home seeking refuge after being brutally attacked by his father. His body was covered in bruises. We took photos. The physical pain was visible, but the emotional trauma goes far deeper.

Despite all he’s faced, this young man just graduated from high school and was accepted to college — the same school as my son. He was meant to be celebrating this milestone, even preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Italy with his family. That trip was taken away. His Parents have cut him off completely. His family — except a half Brother in South Carolina, have turned their backs on him.

And even that support was shaky.

His mother and grandparents only showed up at his graduation after being pressured by a half-brother. They sat at a distance. He never even saw them. No one hugged him. No one patted him on the back. He walked across the stage completely alone on what should’ve been one of the proudest moments of his life. I cannot even begin to explain how damaging that kind of abandonment is to a young person’s soul — especially one who’s already endured so much.

This gentle, sweet soul has quietly battled Anorexia, severe depression/panic attacks, Tourette’s syndrome, Autism, and more. He’s on multiple medications and has spent years learning how to cope, survive, and move forward. Just when he was starting to believe in a better future, his support system crumbled.

He now lives with us temporarily. I cannot in good conscience let him go homeless or unsupported. But as a mom who is already stretching to cover my own son’s college tuition, even currently battling Breast Cancer myself, I can’t financially carry the weight of a second student. He has no one to co-sign his student loans, no savings, and no safe home to return to. We are helping him set up Health Insurance, his own Bank Account, etc.

I’m heartbroken. But I’m also determined. With your help, I believe we can help him begin again — safely, with dignity, and with hope.

What the Funds Will Cover:

First-year tuition and fees

*Housing and basic living expenses

*School supplies and essentials

*Medical and mental health support

Any amount — no matter how small — makes a difference. If you can’t donate, please consider sharing this link to help us spread the word.

This young man has endured more than most people do in a lifetime, and he still shows up with kindness in his heart. Let’s show him that the world hasn’t given up on him — that he matters, and that his story can still have a bright future.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping.

With gratitude,

Sandra