UPDATE: I finally got my van and it was a lot more in repairs than what was estimated. In hindsight I probably should've accounted for that plus how much GoFundMee is going to take out of the total. Still hoping to be able to replace the camping survival gear and van living equipment, but so far we are so relieved to have hit the initial goal.

Hi, my name is Stephen.

This is probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my entire life so far, at least. I believe everyone has a breaking point (or 2) in their lives and that this is unequivocally, most certainly mine.

Last night, the van my girlfriend and I live in 5 of 7 days wkly, was broken into by some neighborhood theives (shout out to LBC). When they broke in w a screwdriver, not only did they bust up the door and lock in the process, the steering column was cracked and ignition was destroyed so we couldn't drive/ start it up and get to a safer spot. All of it needs to be replaced, costing us thousands in damages; not including rental car fees w massive deposit, time loss from work and Trauma (which is hard to attach monetary value to but it's a huge "Life Tax", if you will).

In addition to the damage, they stole hundreds of dollars worth of Camping/ Van life gear including our battery generator which we use for flats, jumps, camp lights, appliances, TV, etc. They are a big investment and a necessity for our daily activities and survival on the road.

The bastards also made off w Mercedes' Emergency bag she keeps packed while/since surviving cancer and w her disabilities, HAS to have w her at all times (hospital stays, Dr appts, daily van/home, camping etc). It's the bag you grab for fires, earthquakes... That vital. She had all of her wk/mo/ day Meds; which can be replaced, yet are difficult, tedious and expensive to do so. Same w the jewelry, makeup, sentimental fx, journals, hobby stuff, etc. Also, her SSI Disability paperwork w SS# and all pers info; now Identity Theft is in the mix + an exhausting Bureaucratic Odyssey is coming just to thwart that.

Hard work, dignity, intent, precision, drive and passion- combined w talent is how I've always operated and hope you can taste the respect I have for my craft in all the beers I've brewed thru my journey. It's true, no matter what you do or strive for- None of us are immune from a Shakabuku Universal Bitch Slap.

Coming off the heels of (f)unemployment since GABF in Sept '23 til Jan '24, it was a struggle to stay afloat w just that and Mercedes' SSI Disability, we fell behind. And of course, as soon as we were starting to gain traction- the Universe told us otherwise last night.

The Silver Linings are: 1- We're glad our recently neutered rescue kitty Chunk was home recovering and not on the road *this time. 2- They didn't break a window, wanted the tires & didn't get 'em.

We are devastated, exhausted, defeated, broke(n) and are acutely aware that many of you are in the same boat and share our pain. Slainté.