On August 15th, while delivering pizzas for a new job I had just started 3 weeks prior, my life changed in an instant. Another driver ran a red light at over 40 mph, crashing into me and totaling my car, Stella. Since then, I’ve been fighting to regain stability and hope. Living on my own, without family nearby to lean on, has made this journey even harder.

Physically, I’m dealing with severe whiplash, rotator cuff disorder, and shoulder impingement syndrome. These injuries require physical therapy and many more scheduled medical appointments in the future. Mentally and emotionally, I’ve been retraumatized and rediagnosed with PTSD. I am facing severe depression, heightened anxiety, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, along with heightened fear of driving or riding in a vehicle, and other mental health issues. I’m slowly but surely working to overcome my symptoms. These injuries make even the simplest daily tasks, like grocery shopping, household chores, and personal care, painful and difficult.

Financially, I am heavily overwhelmed. I only receive $400 a week from workers’ comp, which doesn’t cover my bills or allow me to afford reliable transportation for my essentials. While insurance has promised some support, the timeline is uncertain, and what little I will be receiving will not be enough to replace my vehicle outright. Because of my unstable income and inability to work at this time, financing a new (used) vehicle for myself isn’t possible at this time. With fall quickly approaching and winter around the corner, not having reliable transportation will make it nearly impossible to make essential commutes in the extreme cold. A car isn’t just transportation; It’s my lifeline to work, to my essentials, and to any chance of moving forward.

I am asking for help raising funds to cover the cost of a reliable vehicle and to help stabilize my life while I recover physically and emotionally. Every donation, no matter how small, will mean the world to me. It’s a step toward regaining independence, healing, and rebuilding after this devastating accident.

I appreciate you for taking the time to read my story and thank you from the bottom of my heart for any support you can give!