Hi, my name is Brenden Hooks, and I was never raised to know how to ask for help, but I'm on a journey of self-growth, and I think it's time I learn how to reach out to my community.

In 2019, I posted my first vlog and went on my first solo backpacking trip around the world. From this moment, I knew that travel was my passion, and I'd do whatever it took to see the world!

My biggest mistake so far has been my lack of consistency in content creation. I'd like to blame it on my poor mental health, but I don't like to make excuses for my shortcomings. In October of 2024, I finally decided to go all in on my dreams, and in December, I finally launched my own travel agency! It's my goal to help as many people see the world as I can, to show people that travel can be safe and affordable, and to eventually open a scholarship to help underprivileged students travel around the world after they graduate college.

On May 1, 2025, I left home for what will hopefully become the biggest solo trip of my life! I was meant to start in Bogota, Colombia, and travel around Latin America, building connections with local hotels and tour operators. I planned to do this as long as possible by volunteering in hostels and doing work exchanges for food and beds.

On May 13, my phone was pickpocketed from me by an organized group of professional thieves... I understand how dumb I look for letting my phone be taken so easily, but I never even felt them touch me, let alone take it. My iPhone was my primary camera, and without it, I haven't been able to make any content for my trip. I lost my phone and all of the photos and videos I had collected on it. Not just from this trip but from my home, of my friends and family, of my life...

This loss was enough to make me want to give up on my dreams, head home, and accept defeat... but today is May 21, and I have a fire in me that doesn't dare be extinguished so easily. If I give up now, if I accept defeat, I'll have to admit the bad people in this world have won, and in a world where our news does nothing but highlight the shadows, all I want to do is shed some light on the good people I've met.

So I'm here today asking for help to buy a new iPhone. I didn't come on this trip with additional funds for emergencies. I know how irresponsible that sounds, but I couldn't risk staying home any longer, stuck in my stagnant lifestyle. I had to move! I can't go home yet, not when I still have quests to finish.

If you can help me reach my goal in any way, I'll always be grateful, and I promise to use it to create art and memories that the world over will never forget.

Thank you for your time.