I grew up surrounded by love, raised by my grandparents who adopted me and gave me everything I needed as a child. But in the early 2000s, my life took a turn when I met my soon-to-be husband and tried drugs for the first time. That moment started a downward spiral into addiction, leading me from cocaine to heroin, oxycodone, and eventually fentanyl. My struggle lasted until 2018, and along the way, I was incarcerated three times—each time feeling more lost and disconnected from myself.
In 2024, after my third sentence, I looked at the gates and barbed wire and realized I couldn't keep living this way. I was a full-blown addict, doing anything to get my fix. When I was released, I made a choice not to return home to the same environment. Instead, I took a bus to Tampa and entered the Abe Brown Ministries reentry program. I completed the six-week program, graduated, and now have a full-time job. I've been clean since November 24th, 2024, and every day I push myself to be better than I was the day before.
Today, I live in A1 Opportunities sober living transitional house, where I serve as house mom and support others in recovery. My next step is to buy a car outright, so I can avoid monthly payments and focus on paying rent, getting a second job, and pursuing my goals. Addiction is real and it kills—I've lost many friends to it, and I know how lucky I am to have made it this far. I want to help others who are struggling, and your support will help me continue my journey and make a difference in the lives of those around me. If you believe in second chances and want to help someone committed to recovery, please consider supporting my fundraiser.