Support Tony's Journey Through Tough Times

Hi friends and family,

I've debated for weeks whether I want to go through with creating this GoFundMe, and I hope you can understand the difficult situation I'm in. I’ve spent my life doing my best to help others—through my work, through service, through small moments of laughter or kindness—and now I find myself in a position where I need to ask for help.

I’m currently unemployed (looking for part-time work to help me get through grad school, which I begin in September). I’ve tapped into my Roth IRA to stay afloat, and at this point, I have about two months’ rent left in my bank account. I've slowly started to pawn off my personal belongings. In September, I’ll be getting some housing allowance via my GI Bill benefits, but right now, the space between where I am and where I need to be feels overwhelming—and although I have a strong moral support system, my desperation is unfortunately growing deeper.

I know times are tough for everyone, and I don’t take it lightly to ask. I also can’t promise that I’ll be able to pay anyone back financially. But I make this promise instead: If I’ve ever made you smile, helped you through a rough patch, or brightened your day, please consider this my honest and humbling cry for support. Your generosity now will help me stay housed, stay grounded, and keep moving forward in order for me to do what I have always held close as my main guiding principle: caring for and helping humanity to create a world that best serves our future generations.

I also want to be transparent about something: I’m taking a trip soon to visit my sister. As many of you know, she is stationed on the West Coast, and I only get to see my family about once a year as I live in New England. This trip is my way of looking out for both her mental health and mine. So if you see me smiling in a photo or enjoying a moment, please know it’s not because I’m ignoring my situation and intentionally indulging in life's pleasures—I’m just doing my best to maintain a sense of mental normalcy and hold onto the things that matter most: connection, family, and showing up for the people I love.

I also have the support and help of my incredible girlfriend, but don't want to be overly reliant on her as her job, funded by the Department of Education, is at risk, and she has her own student loans she is working tirelessly to pay off.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. And thank you, truly, for anything you can give—whether it’s financial, emotional, or just by sharing this with someone who might be able to help.

With gratitude and humility,

Tony