Hi friends,

I hope you’re doing well. I’m writing today because we’ve hit a rough patch recently, and I’m turning to the people I care about for support in getting through this.

About four months ago, right before we were preparing to move back to California, I injured my back. What was supposed to be a six-week recovery has turned into a much longer and more painful journey due to repeat injuries, leaving me unable to work. To make things more challenging, our move required us to unexpectedly pay a rather hefty deposit upfront, which has significantly drained our finances. As you can imagine, trying to manage on one income now, while also covering the cost of my medical treatment, has put us in a tough spot.

On top of that, our dog Carrot—who many of you know is like family to us—has also been having health issues. We've already paid $1,000 out-of-pocket for his treatment, but the vet suspects allergies and we need further tests to get a clear diagnosis. Unfortunately, we can’t afford these additional medical expenses right now.

Beyond this immediate financial crisis, we’re also thinking about long-term sustainability. A portion of the funds raised will help me start a small business, so I can regain financial independence and provide for our future.

I understand that times are difficult for many people right now, and I wouldn’t ask if we didn’t truly need it. Any contribution, no matter the size, would be deeply appreciated and make a huge difference in helping us stay housed, keep myself and Carrot healthy, and allow me to build something sustainable for our future. Even if you can’t donate, sharing this post would mean the world to us.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, for your kindness, and for standing with us during this challenging time. Your support means more than we can express.