My name is Certney, and for nearly 4.5 years I have been in an uphill battle to remain what I have always been—my son’s mother.

In 2021, after a painful separation from my ex-partner, the state took my child from me. He was never abused. He was never neglected. Still, the family policing system decided to tear us apart. Since then, I’ve been forced to survive on only two hours of monitored time with my son each week.

This fight has been brutal. I have faced a racist and gender-phobic social worker who has lied in court documents to keep me from my child—erasing every step of progress I’ve made. Even when judges ruled in my favor, granting me unmonitored visits, she submitted false reports to drag us backwards.

And yet, my son and I remain unbreakable. He knows me. He knows my love. He knows who his mother is.

Now I finally have a chance to prove what we live every day: our bond is strong, sacred, and cannot be replaced. The judge has allowed me to bring in a bonding study expert who can document and testify to our connection. But I need help raising $3,500 in the next two weeks to secure this expert and prevent the state from carrying out the most inhumane punishment of all—terminating my parental rights.

Every contribution—no matter the size—brings me closer to keeping my family whole. Please, stand with us in this fight against family separation and for the right of every mama to love and raise her child.

Thank you for being part of our struggle and our hope.