I am a single father of five beautiful children: two girls, Nadirah (11) and SynnThea (8), and three boys, Kingston (9), Kai (4), and Killian (2). Life has been a challenge, but my children are my world, and I am determined to give them the best I can. I struggle each month to keep up with rent, electricity, gas, water, and trash bills, as well as making sure my kids have enough to eat and clothes for school. Holidays and birthdays are especially tough, but I do everything I can to make them special.

My journey hasn’t been easy. I am a recovering addict, and my path to addiction began when my doctor prescribed pain medication for a knee injury instead of surgery. After ten years of prescriptions, my new doctor cut me off abruptly, leaving me to face withdrawal and addiction alone. The mother of my children also became addicted, and when our youngest was born, CPS got involved. I knew I couldn’t let my children go into foster care, so I got clean and did everything the courts and CPS asked of me. Their mother wasn’t able to do the same, and eventually, she left. I now have full legal and physical custody of my children, and I have maintained my sobriety despite living with a disability that causes daily pain.

The funds raised will help take away the fear and uncertainty of making ends meet each month. I’ve managed to pay off fines, get my driver’s license back, and buy a vehicle to get my kids to school, doctor’s appointments, and activities. I try to give them fun experiences, and with help from charities, I’ve been able to provide gifts for holidays and birthdays. My children are the true superstars—they’ve stayed loving, caring, and excelled at school despite everything. They help around the house and deserve some breathing room and joy, which I’m struggling to provide right now. Any support will help us stay together and give my kids the stability and opportunities they deserve.