I'm creating this GoFundMe for Rene, a friend who I've gotten to know over the last few months. Unfortunately, Rene had his vehicle stolen on May 5th in Tijuana Mexico, and along with it, ALL his work tools and other personal belongings, which totaled the value of roughly $3,500 dollars.

If you know a bit about Rene's story, you’ll know that he has experienced and suffered more difficulties within the last few years than many people do across their lifetimes. The unexpected and surprising death of his father, the end of what he believed was a promising relationship with his son’s mother which included a very ugly custody battle where he lost visitation rights to his only son, being stripped of his Permanent Residency which followed by his deportation from the United States after living there since he was only two years old, the loss of his General Contracting Career and License due to his deportation, and now his hard earned beloved means of transportation with almost, if not every, tool he’s come to own in the last ten years. Despite this downward spiral, he has addressed these hardships head-on and is a testament to the resilience and drive that keeps him moving forward, no matter what obstacles keep getting thrown in his path.

It’s been two years now since he was deported to Mexico. He lives in the border town of Tijuana, Baja California. He is away from his home, his family, his friends, loved ones, and the San Fernando Valley Community of Los Angeles, where Rene was raised, where he went to school, where he’s always flourished financially by always standing out, and climbing up the ladders in his jobs, and where his entire family currently still resides. It has taken almost two years to be able to adapt to his new norm and make an honest living for himself. He continues to strive towards rebuilding his life and his ability to earn a living plays a big role in this process. The loss of his work tools and equipment is a real hard and unfortunate setback.

It is unclear what support (if any) he will receive from local law enforcement or insurance, so any financial assistance would help him replace his work tools that are needed for his daily life. If you were to speak to him, he would tell you with a humble smile that he doesn’t want everything replaced, just his tools. He still has a US bank account which he can access in Tijuana.

I know every man has their breaking point. That point where you throw your hands down, lower your shoulders and throw in the towel. Rene admits that he has not made the best decisions in his past and has had his fair share of mistakes. He has taken ownership and full responsibility for his mistakes and has paid handsomely for them. But I believe in second chances and am a real true witness of Rene’s efforts and determination to move forward in a positive way. Although this will become another obstacle that Rene will overcome because of his resilience and strength, any support is very much appreciated and will help give this fighter a chance to focus on getting back on track. It will help him rest and not stress about survival. Without his tools, he cannot work… And without work, he will lose what little he has accomplished in the last two years after a whirlwind of unfortunate events. I admit that I form part of the many people that spend that unnecessary dollar or two. If you are also that kind of person, here is our chance to turn the unnecessary into something necessary, and something positive. That dollar or two can help Rene in more ways than you can imagine, and knowing him, he will be forever grateful. I’ll never forget him saying “I believe there are still good people out there, the world just doesn’t give them a chance to stand out anymore”. Even after his vehicle was stolen. This is the kind of person you want to help. Let’s stand out!