My name is Mary. I’m a disabled Air Force veteran and single mother of 3 living with service-connected MST/PTSD, debilitating migraines, and more. I’m raising my 5-year-old (whom I homeschool), my 7-year-old who attends public school, and my 13-year-old niece who is now in my full custody after losing her dad (my only brother) in a motorcycle accident in 2022 and her mom (who had been absent) just months ago.

In August, we moved to Clovis to be closer to the Fresno VA hospital for my ongoing treatment and because I truly love this community—the schools, the people, the sense of safety we were finally starting to feel after years of chaos.

Seven days apart, two separate accidents totaled the only car we had. I had no collision coverage. Overnight, we lost the ability to get my kids to school, my niece to counseling, my 5-year-old to co-op classes, or any of us to the grocery store or church. The VA can drive me to my own appointments, but they can’t take my children to school or therapy. We are completely stuck.

I have called, applied, and begged every VA program, veteran charity, church, and local resource I can find—none provide vehicles right now or have waitlists into next year. I’ve truly exhausted every door.

This money will go directly to:

• $1,000 down payment on a reliable used minivan (already located and pre-approved)

• $3,000 balance, taxes, and registration

• $500 first month of insurance and gas

Every dollar keeps my kids in their Clovis schools, gets them to counseling, and lets us stay part of this community we love. Anything over the goal will cover therapy co-pays and groceries while my next VA claim processes.

If anyone has questions or wants documentation (DD-214, accident reports, custody papers, etc.) to confirm this is a genuine cry for help, please message me. I’m more than happy to provide whatever you need.

I’m swallowing every bit of pride to ask for help keeping my little family safe and rooted here. Even $5 or a share means the world to us.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Respectfully,

Mary