Help Laura Move to Washington!

Edit and update 4/9/2017: I cannot thank everyone enough for the incredible support I have received in the last year.

Circumstances have changed again. I will be moving to Vancouver, Washington on May 22. There are many good reasons for this move. It is also necessary as I just cannot keep up the exorbitant, continually rising rent.

If you feel called to contribute to my moving expenses, it is of course much appreciated.

The used car I bought is still in need of brakes, which I would like to have fixed before I drive up to my new residence.

Again, thank you so much for all your help, support, strength, prayers and empowerment throughout these last few years - and especially this last year when the need was critical.

I have a feeling this is what my brother Scott would have wanted most, and that is what gives me peace.




Edit and update 10/1/2016: Because I haven't met my gofundme goal yet, the car I so badly needed to get to see my brother isn't paid for yet, and between that and the sky high rent where I live, I am at a loss as to how to move forward. I feel useless not being able to move to Stockton where I am needed. I can't help anyone when I can't even afford to feed myself. 

Edit 7/29/2016: This campaign began as a means to acquire a car to be able to see my brother Scott in his last days. I was able to do that and I am eternally grateful.  He passed away on May 14, 2016. I am intent on moving to Stockton to be closer to Amber in order to support her in all the ways that I can.  Because of the high rent situation, car payment, and higher car insurance, I am not able  to save up for moving expenses. I am in the process of updating my resume and seeking employment in the Stockton area. I am not looking for a free ride, just help to get established there.  Any assistance is highly appreciated. Thank you! 

Many of you know me. Some of you may not. I am a life long resident and preschool teacher here in the Bay Area. Some health issues and some life circumstances were key factors in my not being able to acquire a new (used) car in the past several years. I worked two jobs each day for what I thought would be a short amount of time until I was hit with back to back illnesses in 2005 and 2006 respectively, and then again in 2010. I had no health insurance at the time, and paid all my medical expenses out of pocket. I continued to work both jobs even though I could barely make it each day.  Regular activities became a thing of the past, and survival the front runner. 

There were days I couldn't go out to get food and there were days I couldn't afford food.  I made it through with assistance and emotional support from friends.  Though my health is better than it was, getting on one's feet after years of chronic survival mode is a long process. 

I have a clean driving record. I have been and remain responsible. I care about people, and do what I can to give back and continue to work hard. 

I work full time at a local inclusion preschool where special needs children attend. My rent is high and will be 300 dollars higher next year, making car payments impossible. I need a reliable compact car to get me to work and back each day in order to keep a roof over my head. Moving out of the Bay Area isn't an option yet, as my daughter attends college here, and my job is stable and rewarding. My salary doesn't cover the exorbitant rent though, and the stress of another cycle of barely living scares the heck out of me. 

This year, my brother who lives two hours away was diagnosed with cancer. His discovery and subsequent journey and fight have given me reason to need to be there with him and his girlfriend as much as possible.  My current car just won't make it anywhere except absolutely essential places like work and the grocery store. 

A solid, reliable car would allow me to give rides to people who need them, as I know the feeling of not being able to go anywhere. (Real rides, not for any service to make money. ) I would also be mobile enough to bring my Reiki table to people's homes to conduct energy healing sessions. 

I bought my 1991 Ford Escort brand new and it has lasted this long. I am extremely grateful for it, and its long term service in my life, but it has a mystery water leak, isn't running well, has to be started with a screwdriver because the ignition housing broke due to age, and is generally falling apart at the seams. 

I'm a real human. A good one. I don't ask for help unless I REALLY need it. My eternal gratitude is yours for any amount you give.