Support Our Friend Who Is Going Through A Financial Crisis

“Hi, my name is Daniel. I’m 20 years old, and ever since losing both of my parents, I’ve been struggling just to maintain a normal life. My mom passed away on August 23rd, 2024, after suffering multiple strokes. She was completely blind, had diabetes, and was a leg amputee. My dad passed away in 2012 from alcohol-related complications, he tragically choked in his sleep.

Since then, it’s just been me and my older sister, Joanne. I’ve done my best to stay strong and keep moving forward, but losing both parents has left me emotionally and financially overwhelmed.

After our mom passed, I took Joanne in to help her get back on her feet, since her boyfriend is also struggling and unable to support her. She hasn’t had a car in over 3 years, so I let her use mine to get to and from work. I also used it to get to my own job.

On April 18th, 2025, the car’s engine finally gave out after months of misfiring issues. It would’ve cost $1,000–$2,000 to fix before, now completely unusable. Without transportation, both of us are at risk of losing our jobs.

Right now, we have no food in the house, not even canned food. I haven’t eaten in two days of making this page. I have no money, no support system, and no way to get by.

On top of this, I’m drowning in debt because of my mom’s rehab bills, maxed-out credit cards I used just to survive, personal loans, and student debt from two schools I couldn’t finish.

I started at East Tennessee State University in Fall 2023 but became so unmotivated and isolated due to lack of friends for motivation, leaving me to unofficially withdraw. I transferred to Tennessee Tech in January 2024, but because some scholarships didn’t carry over, I was kicked out just a month later due to unpaid balances.

Now, I’m asking for help to cover past debts and bills, afford basic necessities like food and hygiene, buy a used, reliable car so both my sister and I can keep working, and finally, to save toward my return to ETSU to study Computer Science by Fall 2026.

My goal is to rebuild my life, find motivation again, and start fresh. I want to graduate by Spring 2030, and finally live the life I’ve been trying so hard to build.

Anything helps, even just sharing this with others. I never thought I’d be in a place where I’d have to ask for help. I’ve always been the “quiet kid,” the one who keeps things to himself, but right now, I can’t do this alone anymore.

Thank you for reading. If you’re able to help in any way, I would be grateful.”

-Daniel Pena

One of my dearest friends, Daniel Pena, is going through a great financial crisis that and they need immediate help. In a short period, they have faced the loss of their only parent and been burdened with their parent's past debts. While being financially and emotionally overwhelmed, they have to support themselves and their sibling on their own.

As of now, the situation has worsened to an alarming state. The engine of their car has completely blown out which they need to get to work and for groceries. They have not ate for two days while working, and having to walk two hours to and from combined has landed them in a hospital.

While they have already been discharged, the circumstances are still grave. Without urgent assistance, they will be at critical risk of dying. My friends and I have done what we can to help out, but this now far exceeds our capacity to handle on our own.

We are reaching out to everyone we can to raise as much money in as little time possible. This will directly impact our friend's life and survival. Whether it is for food, bills, debts, or for transportation to be able to go to work. Please help us secure our friend's life and future where they can continue to spend time with us. Any amount helps.