Car Repair Needed for Veteran Family with Special Needs Son

Hi, my name is Jessica Brown, and I’m a medically retired Army veteran, a full-time college student, and the mother of a severely disabled, nonverbal 5-year-old boy named Rorey.

I’m working hard every day to build a better future for my son and me. I’m disabled, but I still attend college full-time—despite chronic pain—because I want to become a psychologist to help others who are struggling. After classes, I come home and care for Rorey, who requires constant supervision, can’t speak, and doesn’t understand danger. My husband helps watch him while I’m at school, but Rorey’s needs are round-the-clock, and we can’t leave him alone, not even for a moment.

Right now, we’re without a working vehicle—and it’s putting us at real risk. We live in a small city with unreliable public transportation. Without a car, we can’t safely get to medical appointments, therapy sessions, or even escape dangerous weather. I’ve paid $600 already toward the cost of repairs, but I still need $1,700 more to get it fully road-ready again.

Our car gave us freedom. It gave us joy—trips to the park, therapy, safer shopping options, even just getting outside of this isolating environment. Now we’re stuck, often on foot, even in dangerous weather. I’ve done everything I can on my own, but now I need help.

If you can contribute or share, you’d be making a real difference in our lives. Thank you for helping us move forward—literally and figuratively.

With gratitude,

Jessica Brown