Help Siyobin & Devon Recover from Legal & Financial Hardship

Hi everyone,

We’re Siyobin (Siyobhan legally, which I have to put for GoFundMe) Blanco-Goss and Devon Goss-Blanco, a newly married couple facing an unexpected financial crisis, and we need your help.

I (Siyobin) am a disabled student studying Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. I work part-time while in school, but I’m unable to receive disability benefits because I live with my partner—who, in the eyes of ODSP, “makes too much money” for me to qualify (eye roll). My OSAP funding last semester wasn’t enough to cover my full tuition—let alone the cost of living—and recent government cuts to disability student grants have made things even harder. Just a note: It looks like for the upcoming year, OSAP is predicted to cover my tuition fully for upcoming semesters, as we're now legally married and being married gets you more OSAP than being disabled does.

Devon is the only driver in our household and plays a huge role in helping me get around—whether it’s getting me to school, medical appointments, picking me up from work when my feet are too swollen to take the bus, running errands or going on adventures with our doggo. Unfortunately, Devon was recently pulled over and charged with "stunt driving," which led to his license being immediately suspended for 30 days and our car impounded for 14 days. Even though this was his first-ever traffic stop, he now faces disproportionate and harsh penalties including a 1-3 year license suspension, $2000-$10,000 in fines and even jail time.

What We’re Facing:

Devon’s legal fees: $1,500 + tax (First payment of $850 due Feb 6)

Impound fees: $1,100 (Due Feb 11)

License reinstatement: $281

My unpaid tuition: $2,000 (As soon as possible)

Other unexpected costs related to the case and our daily living expenses

We’ve been doing everything we can—using Instacart for grocery deliveries, relying on my mom for transportation, and cutting expenses where possible—but this has put us in an impossible financial position.

We’re hoping to raise at least $3,000 to cover the most urgent legal costs and impound fees, but ideally, $5,000 would help us fully recover and pay off my tuition as well.

This situation has been incredibly stressful and has taken a toll on our ability to focus on school and work. Any contribution, no matter how small, would mean the world to us. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser would be just as helpful!

Thank you for reading, for your support, and for helping us see a way forward.

With gratitude,

Siyobin & Devon <3

If you'd like to donate via e-transfer (saves us the GFM fees), you can send to siyobinanddevon (at) g mail (dot) com