Help Rachel and Her Son Keep Their Home

I Never Thought I Would Have to Ask for Help

For most of my life, I have been the person who helps other people.

I've worked professionally as a photographer, in sales and marketing, caregiving, and in many other roles where I could serve, encourage, provide, and be a blessing to others. I've worked hard to support my family and have always tried to be there when someone else needed help.

I have never been someone who asks for help.

But today, I'm asking.

In 2024, a devastating accident changed my life in a matter of seconds. I suffered serious injuries that resulted in multiple surgeries and procedures, including ACL and meniscus surgery and spinal fusion. I have experienced DVTs and blood clots, two pulmonary embolisms, a TIA, severe hypertension, and ongoing chronic pain and mobility limitations. I also had 20 inches of my colon removed.

I still need additional surgery, including an SI joint/hip fusion and lower-back surgery.

The physical consequences have been overwhelming, but so have the financial ones.

My medical expenses have now exceeded $500,000. After two years of trying to survive, I have exhausted my savings, maxed out my credit cards, and taken out more than $100,000 in loans just to keep our lives going.

I am a single mother of a 13-year-old son.

And right now, we are facing an immediate crisis:

We are at risk of losing our home.

I am currently two months behind on rent and facing eviction.

That is the part that scares me the most.

I can handle asking for help for myself. But knowing that my circumstances could affect my son and the place he calls home is heartbreaking.

I am not sitting back and waiting for someone else to fix my life. I am actively trying to rebuild it.

I'm learning new social-media and online skills so I can create an income from home despite my physical limitations. I'm continuing my education and working toward a future where I can once again support myself and help other people. I'm also waiting for a decision on my SSI disability application.

But right now, I need a bridge between where I am today and the future I'm working so hard to reach.

What your donation will do

Funds raised will go toward our immediate necessities:

• Rent and preventing eviction
• Electricity
• Water
• Phone service
• Food
• Other essential household expenses

If you can give $10, $25, $50, $100, or whatever you can comfortably afford, please know that every dollar matters to us.

If you can't donate, please don't scroll past thinking there is nothing you can do.

Sharing this fundraiser may be the most important thing you can give us.

You never know who might see our story, share it with someone else, or be in a position to help us through this difficult moment.

I've spent much of my life being the person who showed up for other people.

Today, I'm asking someone to show up for us.

I'm not asking you to fix everything.

I'm asking for enough help to keep my son and me safe and housed while I continue fighting to rebuild our lives.

I never imagined that I would be writing these words.

But I'm still here.

I'm still fighting.

And I'm not giving up.

Thank you for reading our story, for caring, for donating if you're able, and especially for sharing our fundraiser.

With a grateful heart,

Rachel ❤️