Help Me Get Back on the Road After a Carjacking

I never imagined I’d be writing something like this.

If you know me, you know I’m usually the one helping others and trying to figure things out on my own. Asking for help doesn’t come naturally to me, but after what happened, I truly don’t have many options.

Yesterday morning around 3:30 a.m., while I was delivering for Amazon in Seattle, I was carjacked during my route. This wasn’t random—it was a targeted violation. I later realized I had likely been followed for some time without knowing it. They waited until I went down a completely empty street, and while I was dropping an Amazon package on a front doorstep, one person quietly crept up, well, the other jumped out, got into my car, and drove away in my vehicle.

My vehicle was stolen, and with it went everything inside. Not only did I lose my car, but I also lost all of my personal belongings—my credit cards, driver’s license, house keys, garage door openers, my social security card and my girls’ social security cards, pictures of my kids, and all of the Amazon packages I was delivering. It was everything all at once.

Driving for Amazon has been my full-time source of income while I’ve been working hard to build my online business. My car wasn’t just transportation—it was how I paid my bills and supported myself and my girls.

To make matters worse, I only carried liability insurance because my vehicle was paid off, and I had just switched insurance carriers three weeks ago. Since I didn’t have comprehensive coverage, my personal insurance won’t cover the loss. Unfortunately, for that same reason, Amazon’s insurance also won’t cover it. This leaves me facing the loss of a vehicle worth about $10,000, along with my ability to earn income from my daily routes.

Right now, I’m doing my best to stay positive and figure out my next steps, but without a vehicle, I’ve lost my ability to work. I’m also trying to stay vigilant and protect my home and my kids, knowing that whoever took my car now has access to my keys, my personal information, and most important, my home.

If you’re able to help in any way—whether it’s a donation or simply sharing this fundraiser—it would mean more than I can express. Every dollar will go toward replacing my vehicle so I can get back to work as quickly as possible.

For anyone in Alaska who doesn’t feel comfortable donating online, you can bring donations to my mom, Betsy Petterson, at First National Bank of Alaska.

If you’re not in a position to donate, I completely understand. Sharing this page with others would help just as much.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for your kindness, and for any support you’re able to give. I truly appreciate it more than you know.