Support Deb's Fight For Her Daughter's Safety!

I never thought I’d be here asking for help—but I can’t do this alone anymore.

My name is Deborah Blake-Ontiveros

I’m a mother, a cancer warrior, a survivor of domestic violence—and for over seven years, I’ve been fighting to protect my daughter from her abusive father, completely on my own. I’m now at a place where I have to admit: I can’t do this without help.

My beautiful daughter is 11 years old. She’s about to start junior high, and despite everything she has been through, she’s thriving in school. She’s been diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety after years of abuse by her father, who was incarcerated for domestic violence and has violated protective orders in the past. We look alike, we laugh alike, and we are each other’s world.

She is terrified to be around him. She has told me she fears going back to him, that she is afraid the abuse will happen again. And as her mother, I cannot—and will not—let that happen.

For seven years, I stood alone in courtrooms while battling stage 4 breast cancer, undergoing chemotherapy, and managing bipolar disorder. I’ve represented myself because I’m on disability, can’t work, and had no other option. And I did it all to protect my daughter.

But everything changed recently when I was served court papers.

This man—who has already harmed us—is now using my cancer diagnosis against me. He’s filed to take full custody, claiming I am too sick to be a mother. That broke me.

After all the strength I have shown, all the fights I’ve faced, I found myself at my kitchen table, tears running down my face, realizing I can’t do this alone anymore. I’m exhausted—physically, emotionally, and mentally. And the only thing that terrifies me more than cancer is the thought of losing my daughter to the man who hurt us both.

I need to hire a capable family lawyer who understands domestic violence cases and can protect my daughter’s rights. I’ve done everything I could on my own, but now I need an advocate in court.

I am humbly asking for your help to raise $5,000.

This will cover legal fees, retainers, court filings, and ensure my daughter and I have a chance to continue living in peace and safety.

This campaign is not for my cancer care.

It’s to protect my daughter’s future, her stability, and her safety.

If you can donate—whether it’s $5 or $500—I am grateful beyond words. If you can’t donate, please share our story. You might just be the person who helps keep my daughter safe.

My community has always been there for me, and I love them for that. I’m humbling myself today to ask for one more thing—please stand with us in this fight.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

—Deborah Blake-Ontiveros