This isn't just another story.

This isn’t just a move.

It’s me choosing life.

This is the story I never thought I’d have to tell—not to strangers, not even to friends. But silence has become more dangerous than the truth.

For ten years, I made a life here. I rode out storms and painted through pain. I made it mine. I made it home.

Then came Hurricane Helene—and three days later, something even worse.

While helping clean up, I was drugged and sexually assaulted by two men who live just feet from my door.

I reported it. I begged for help. But instead of removing them, my landlord turned his back. He refused to evict them. He refused to let me move—even when a safer unit became available.

Instead of offering safety, he offered silence. Blame. Verbal abuse.

I’ve been forced to live steps away from my attackers ever since.

They’ve driven by slowly. Stood at my door. Shown up in public spaces.

And still—I had to stay. I helped my neighbors, I kept waiting patiently and breathing. Barely.

The day everything changed. My town, swallowed whole by Hurricane Helene.

But I lost so much in the process. My art sits untouched, my brushes gathering dust and cobwebs. Some of the animals I rescued after the storm will have to be left behind. And moving means leaving the only family I have—my kids and grandsons.

I didn’t want to go. But I can’t stay. Now I’ve found a safe place. A fresh start. And I need help getting there.

“The aftermath. We weren’t just rebuilding homes—we were rebuilding each other.”

Here’s what I need:

Help with the security deposit, first month’s rent, and other moving-related expenses. I’m starting over with almost nothing. But I still have hope.

If you’ve read this far, thank you. Whether you can give, share, or just hold space—you’re part of this journey now.

This isn’t just a move.

This is me choosing to live, on my own terms.

URGENT UPDATE – Belongings Are Being Thrown Away

Today, I came home to find my art studio being trashed—my supplies and belongings thrown into a dump trailer. I called 911, and the deputy instructed them that I have until June 30th, 2025, to remove what’s left.

As I write this, a storm is rolling in. I can see the trailer from my window, but I don’t know what’s been ruined. Everything I own is outside, in the rain. I’m doing my best to stay calm, but I’m overwhelmed and running out of options.

I now need to act fast—either find a way to store my things, or get a U-Haul, pack it, and keep it ready until I’m able to move into a safer place.

This is urgent. If you can help by donating or even just sharing this page, it would mean the world right now.

I don’t want to lose everything before I even get the chance to rebuild.

Thank you for standing with me.