The Art of Asking for Help

Asking for help is an art form I’ve been cultivating over these past months. I’ve followed a long path—through phone numbers, websites, helplines, and support groups—always leading with advocacy rooted in love, honor, and respect for my loved one: my mother, my hero.

Hello to those who may just be getting to know me and my story. My name is Alison Russell. I am a caregiver, a death doula, an advocate and activist, a spiritual leader grounded in love and gratitude, and a liaison. I hold space for others as they navigate difficult transitions in life and death, while also balancing the basic, essential needs of daily living.

However, at this time, I am the one in need.

I humbly ask for your help in holding space for me. I am asking for assistance with paying my monthly bills so that I may continue caring for my mother. Two years ago, she suffered a traumatic brain injury. She had been on the floor for nearly three days when I found her. Her body began breaking down, but her brain never stopped. Since then, she has been steadily declining.

This journey has been emotional, educational, and impossible to fully describe. Being her wound-care nurse and personal aide—while deeply meaningful—has been exhausting, especially doing it alone.

Caregiver burnout is real.

Just last week, I had to obtain an ex parte court order to have my mother medically and mentally evaluated for long-term placement in a memory care facility. Caring for her on my own has become too much, and I have had to surrender to that reality. This decision came after months of navigating her primary care physician, neurology, home health services, hospice evaluations, and community resources such as ElderSource, Elder Affairs, and DCF Adult Protective Services—systems that ultimately could not help us.

She is currently at Shands Hospital, awaiting her transition. I must remain present to advocate for her care while also pursuing legal guardianship with the help of a family lawyer. This process will take both time and money. I am still learning as I go, including how to ask for help.

I am asking for support to cover a couple of months of my basic living expenses so that I can focus fully on this transition period. Once I meet with a lawyer, I will have more clarity about what lies ahead. In the meantime, I appreciate any love you are able to donate. If you’re unable to give financially, please consider sharing this with your friends and loved ones.

Asking for help is hard—but they say, ask and you shall receive. I am open to receiving.

Thank you. I love you.

Alison Russell