The Le Family Recovery Fund

On December 2nd, my sister and I were heading down to Seattle for a music rehearsal with our friends. The day had been a stressful and busy one, and we were looking forward to a peaceful musical release. As the sun set, the night and the road had become more wet and slippery. Soon, we were approaching the Northgate area, when I glanced over to the right lane for a quarter of a split second to change lanes to avoid any traffic that I could since we were running late. In that split quarter of a second, our lives changed completely. The front left of my car crashed and hit the rear right of the car in front of me. I was in shock because I thought that I had slowed down quickly enough to make the lane change, not realizing that the traffic directly in front of me had completely halted. My life flashed before my eyes, and I was in utter disbelief, because I was and am a good driver and I couldn't believe my actions and my luck. Luckily, none of us four were injured, aside from my neck and spine being sore all weekend long. However, the Honda Civic was completely totaled.

This event happened during a time period when my family is in great need. To begin with, we only have two cars. I feel incredibly sad that this accident happened because it brought us down to one car. Since my mom and I work and my sister is busy with high school events and activities, having only one car has put us at a great disadvantage when it comes to us having transportation freely when we need it. In addition, money has been tight because my dad can no longer work. Eleven months ago in May of 2016, he was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer, and has been on disability leave ever since, while he went through six months of painful chemotherapy treatments. I have since begun working full-time, with the intention of finding an internship in addition to that, while I spend this gap year from university at home - to help myself and my family not only to get back on our feet with a vehicle again, but to set myself up for success and to have the resources I need as I head into my final year of university. I'm still standing because of my resilience and my willingness to continue to work hard and never give up, despite this complicated and very stressful situation. Even with my resilience, and working full-time, I know that I need to ask for help from my friends and loved ones to get me back on my feet. Since our father was our provider, and he can no longer work, any kind donation would be life-changing and deeply appreciated more than words can express.

The money is going to go toward taxes and downpayments for any new vehicle that my parents and I might want to purchase. We have reached a point where we need to considering purchasing a vehicle, as I will need to commute if I gain a summer internship. And likewise, my sister is going to be taking driver's ed. The vehicle will benefit us both, and my sister will be able to use it when she needs when I return to school for the fall semester. In addition, money that is not going toward a downpayment for a new car will be used for extra bills around the house and living expenses when I return to college. With the money from my job and the funds raised from this campaign, my family and I will be getting the second chance that we so desperately need and have been praying and hoping for.

This campaign means a lot to me, because it is difficult to find the courage to ask others for help. We all must know when to test our limits and when accept love and support and help from others. This campaign means a lot to me because I know that there are very many kind people out there who are willing to lend a hand to a family in need. I was depressed and downtrodden. Defeated. And devastated when this happened. I could not stop asking God and the universe why this happened when my plate was already so full. Not understanding why Dad is dying while my sister and I are still so young. Not understanding why the car accident had to happen when we needed the car so badly. Even with all of the negatives, I know full well that God is working in my family and within me, because I am now at peace with this situation. I am making the most of this situation and playing the cards that I have been dealt, while having hope that better days are coming.

I am not looking for pity, but merely support. My parents have given my sister and I everything in this world and I am eternally grateful for the multitude of opportunities that we have received from their sacrifices. I truly want to give back to my parents. The money from this campaign will help me to buy a car, which in turn provides a way for me to travel to new jobs and internships. These experiences in itself will lead to a fulfilling career down the road, which is something that my parents never got to enjoy and experience for themselves. The rest of the money that is going toward bills, my father's funeral expenses, living expenses and will help me to pay for rent, student loan interest payments, and groceries, which will lighten the load on everyone, and successfully get me through college graduation. Being this close to the finish line. Being this close to settling for more and becoming the best version of myself - brings me to my knees to humbly and deeply ask for your understanding and generosity. Any support would be lifechanging beyond my wildest dreams.

Thank you so very much for your time and support. My dad unfortunately has passed away last night on Easter. But what a miracle that is - that he was able to go home to be with the Lord on a holiday that is all about healing, restoration, and resurrection. Religious or not, that is no small coincidence.  In the end, this support would be lifechanging and groundbreaking for my family.

Much love from me and my family to yours! Stay blessed and always remember to be kind to one another. 

-Steven