Hello! My name is Eric. I am a 31 year old single male living in the Silicon Valley. I work physical security for a tech company. I am raising money for my cousin, who now calls me dad.

My aunt Verna (Mother's Side) passed away in November 2015. She was an amazing woman and I know the world misses her. She worked as a nurse for developmental hospitals all over the bay area. She has saved many lives just by being her bright and loving self. She was diagnosed with bone cancer many years ago. It went into remission and came back on a few occasions, she was very down low about it, probably a pride thing. Her body was left severely weakened. Ultimately, after going on disability and living alone while raising her young daughter she passed away in her sleep.

Her daughter Sable, who was 16(now 17) has chosen me to be her guardian. I accepted (with fear, excitement and love for my family), knowing that I might be the only fit option that she would be comfortable living with. Also knowing I may face some negativity from Family. "A 31 year old single male raising a 16 year old all of the sudden?" 

Sable's home is nearly $7,000($6,902.86) behind in payments. I have to raise this money really quickly so I am hoping between raising funds, borrowing from friends, family and possibly taking out a loan I can cure the debt. Within 30 days or so.

I will be using any funds received through gofundme to fund the procurement the home. If there is any extra funds, I would use that to help put her home in a sellable condition (Yard work, removal of trash, paint or flooring as needed).

I gave my roommate/friend a 90 day notice and took Sable in. Since the day we started this challenge, we somehow, have developed a goal developing and accomplishing relationship. Imagine that, two under-motivated humans attempting to push and drive each other to success. It has not been easy, needless to say. However, together we have overcome many of our fears and accomplished many of our goals.

One thing that has plagued us so far is battling the legalities of selling her mother's home. She has about 90k left to pay on it and it is now worth somewhere between 200K and 250k. She has minor debts to settle but nothing outrageous. This would make an amazing trust fund for Sable and help her through college and early adulthood.

I have already set some money and a percentage of her income from survivor’s benefits into a savings account for her. We made a plan that would have her turn 18 years old and have saved $11,600 for college, rent, food and expenses. So far we are executing this plan effectively. The sale of this home would add another 40k+ to that amount as she would be splitting the proceeds with her older sister once all the affairs are settled.

If you read this and cannot or will not help with the financial side of this issue I understand completely, no hard feelings. I would love advice, resources or even some kind words you may have for me and my new family.

I am so thankful for all of the support I have received over the last few months and will be overjoyed if we are able to reach this goal. Thank you all so much.

I got to add it is weird being in the grocery store and hearing "dad... dad... DAD!"  And realizing that it's you. That feeling is the best feeling there is.

Be good everyone!
Eric