Hi everyone, my name is Kayla, and I’m reaching out with a humble heart to ask for help during an incredibly difficult time for our family.

Last Friday, I was paid — but just hours later, an accidental bank charge of $1,158 nearly wiped out my entire checking account. My boyfriend, Cody, and I had to borrow money just to pay our rent ($1,200). That same day, one of our cars got a flat tire, and the next day, after replacing it, the car began overheating.

After being in the auto shop for two days, we learned the cause — a cracked water pump, which will cost $600 to repair. This was the final straw in a week full of unexpected financial hits. We already live paycheck to paycheck, and these back-to-back expenses have left us with nothing to fall back on.

On top of that, we recently dealt with a major water leak in our home that caused our utility bill to skyrocket to nearly $700. We’ve been making large payments to prevent it from being shut off — including a $290 payment just this past Friday, the same day the $1,158 charge hit our account. Between that and rent, there was almost nothing left.

Because the car has been out of commission, I haven’t been able to have my week with my two boys from my previous marriage. We live outside their school district, and my work schedule in Cincinnati doesn’t allow me to drive them to school. Normally, Cody drives them, but without a working car, they’ve had to stay longer with their dad. I’m grateful he’s able to help, but I miss my time with them deeply.

Our 1-year-old daughter, Corbyn, also had to miss her checkup appointment because we had no way to get there. And this weekend, my boys have a marching band competition at Ohio State University — likely a once-in-a-lifetime experience — and I may not be able to afford to go see them perform. I haven’t missed a single competition all season, and it breaks my heart that I might miss this one.

I am embarrassed to be in this position, but we have truly exhausted every option. We’ve borrowed what we can from family and friends (who we’re so grateful for), but we can’t afford to repay them or cover this new repair on our own.

I’m hoping to raise $2,000 — enough to get our car fixed and repay some of what we owe to those who’ve already stepped up to help us.

Our family includes myself (37), my boyfriend Cody (34), his daughter Chloe (12), my sons Xander (16) and Damon (12), our little Corbyn (1), and our soon-to-arrive baby girl, Chandler Rose, due next month. I drive two hours each way for work, and we’re doing everything we can to stay afloat and prepare for our growing family — we just need a little help to get through this rough patch.

Anything you can give — no matter how small — would mean the world to us. Even a share helps. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your kindness, understanding, and support. ❤️