Support Shantasia's Journey to Rebuild and Heal

Hello friends, family, and compassionate strangers. My name is Shantaisa, and I’m writing this with a heart full of both grief and determination. Just months prior to graduating as a single mom with my Bachelors Degree from U of M and before starting my

Master’s Degree at the University of Michigan, my world has turned upside down by an unimaginable tragedy. I am so very confused by all of it and am at the place where I simply need to ask for help.

A devastating fire, caused during a scary mental health crisis, took the life of my 12-year-old sister, placed two of my younger sisters (ages 8 and 11) in foster care, and destroyed our childhood home and the security that once existed. The grief is heavy, the anger, disappointment, and sadness are spinning.

The road ahead is uncertain, and yet, I know I have to keep going, they deserve to have a rock they can rely on.

Right now, I am the guardian of my teenage sister and of course, my son. And I am doing everything I can to stay connected to my two younger sisters who are now in foster care, confused and hurting, trying to make sense of what happened to our sister, our mother, our home, and their safety.

The goal of this fundraiser is simple: To help me stay present in their lives, support their healing, and

cover the many financial burdens this crisis has brought and will continue to bring so that I can continue to support my educational goals and future security.

Your donation will help with:

✔ Gas, car insurance, and other transportation costs to travel from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids every other week for supervised visitation.

✔ A safe place to stay overnight during visits so I can be there consistently and bring my sister and son.

✔ Activities, meals, and comforting routines to create moments of normalcy and connection for me and my sisters during our time together.

✔ Emotional support and trauma care resources for me and my siblings.

✔ Missed work and income loss during this time of crisis and caregiving.

This is not the life path I imagined. And this situation was definitely not on my bingo card for 2025. It is absolutely devastating to watch someone you love do irreparable harm to others you love. But all I know is to keep showing up - for my sisters, for our healing, and for a more secure future. I am asking for help because this journey is too heavy to carry by myself.

If you are able to donate, thank you. Every contribution helps more than you know. If you cannot give financially, sharing this campaign or holding our family in your thoughts and prayers means the world.

With love and gratitude,

Shantaisa