A Widow and Four Kids in Need: Fighting to Keep Our Home

Our Family's Story: A Widow and Mother of Four in Need

Hi, my name is Ashley Cavanagh. I’m a widow raising four incredible kids—Emma, Halen, Tray, and Marcus—along with our two beloved pets, Dixie and Bruce Springbeans.

In January 2024, I lost my six-year job without warning, and since then, I’ve been fighting to secure a new position. Despite countless applications and interviews, I haven’t yet landed a role, leaving us in an increasingly desperate situation.

After suddenly losing my husband in 2019 to suicide after a life-long battle with depression, I worked to the bone to rebuild our lives, to help us heal, to create a safe and stable environment for my children. But this past year has tested us in ways I never imagined, and we’re now at the breaking point.

We're on the verge of losing our home, our car, we're selling as many belongings as possible, and constantly struggling to keep our utilities paid and food on the table.

As difficult as it is to submit to needing help, the truth is - I need help. And asking you is my very last resort.

My Efforts to Stay Afloat

I’ve done everything I can to provide for my family adequately while hunting for a new job. I’m currently working at a grocery store (which only provides 1/4 of what we need), taken on gigs and odd jobs, and even started a dog grooming business at home. Sadly, I had to close the business after tearing my rotator cuff—an injury I can’t afford to treat.

My teenage children have stepped up, taking on part-time jobs to help cover the basics, but they should be focused on their education, not struggling to help keep the lights on. Despite all our efforts, we’ve exhausted our savings and are struggling to survive.

How You Can Help

Job Leads and Referrals:

The most impactful way you can help is by connecting me to a job opportunity. I am desperately seeking a role in Customer Success, Marketing, Operations, or Project Management. If you know of an opening, can share my resume, or refer me to someone hiring, it would mean everything to us.

I’m happy to provide references or discuss how my skills—like account management, project implementation, virtual event planning, and technical expertise—can benefit an organization. Please contact me via GoFundMe if you would like to assist. Finding a job is the only long-term solution to keep us from losing our home.

Financial Support:

If you're able to help us financially, your contribution will give us the breathing room to stay in our home, keep the lights on, and cover basic needs while I continue searching for work. Here’s how donations will be used:

This doesn’t include medical bills, school needs, or other expenses, but I'd like you to know that your assistance will go directly to our survival and immediate priorities. Every little bit helps us stay afloat and gives me the time I need to secure employment.

Thank You From the Bottom of My Heart

Reaching out for help is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but I have no choice. I’m doing this for my children, who deserve to feel safe and secure during this difficult time.

Above all, we will make it through this. This is a temporary situation that I am working hard to rectify. If GoFundMe allows me to send you update emails, I will let you know the moment I have the job that I know is waiting around the corner for us.

Every job lead, donation, or word of encouragement means the world to us. You’re not just helping us pay bills—you’re giving us hope and the chance to make it through the toughest time in our life.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

We will be eternally grateful for your help.

You will also be helping these sweet fur babies who are dependent on our care:

With all our love,

The Cavanagh & Burck Family