Hi, my name is Ashley, and I’m a medically disabled mom of four. I’m homeless, chronically ill, and living in a high-stress, unsafe situation after a lifetime of abuse. I’m fighting every day just to survive, but I need help right now to stay afloat and find safety and stability for myself and my children.
I’ve spent my life navigating severe, life-altering medical conditions, including:
cEDS (a connective tissue disorder that causes chronic pain, fatigue, and instability)
Severe dysautonomia and MCAS, which affect my heart, circulation, and ability to regulate basic body functions
Crohn’s disease, which has led to repeated hospitalizations
Sick sinus syndrome, which has made me 97% dependent on a pacemaker
Endometriosis, autism, and complex PTSD from years of trauma
Because of my physical and neurological conditions, I rely on a wheelchair, live with chronic pain, fatigue, and disorientation, and have no reliable way to work or earn income.
All four of my children have inherited different parts of my medical conditions, each of them now living with their own disabilities to varying degrees. They need stability and care just as much as I do. I am their advocate and caregiver, but I can’t do that when we don’t have a safe place to live or the support we need to survive.
When I had my children, I didn’t know I had genetic conditions I could pass on. I was told for years by multiple doctors that there was nothing physically wrong with me and everything was in my head. I was told my thoughts were causing all of my physical symptoms, so I believed them. I was not properly diagnosed until I needed a pacemaker in my 30s and they decided I couldn’t be faking my heart not beating. Now that I know what we are dealing with, I’ve done everything I can to fight for their health and give them love and safety, but now I need help to keep doing that.
Right now, I’m staying in hotels when I can scrape together money, but the environment is stressful and unsafe, and it’s worsening my health. I’m constantly at risk of losing even this temporary shelter.
I have been emotionally abused and financially controlled my whole life. I was never allowed to build security or independence. I’m finally trying to break free, but I have nothing to my name, no savings, no income, and nowhere safe to go.
What I urgently need help with:
Food – I’ve gone days without eating at times to make sure my children will have food, and there are days I can only feed them once. I cannot get food stamps because I am still married and they look at his income, so I do not qualify. I also cannot get to food pantries because I do not have a vehicle.
Hotel stays – to keep a roof over my head and a safe place for my children
Transportation – to get to critical doctor appointments and food pantries
Medications & medical devices – like a power assist for my wheelchair because I cannot physically wheel myself anymore, prescriptions, and supplies such as a blood pressure cuff and thermometer
My phone bill – which is my only way to reach doctors and support services
I’m working every day to apply for disability, financial aid, and housing programs, and also to find case management to help me navigate all of this. But these systems move slowly, and I simply can’t wait weeks or months to meet basic needs for my children and myself. I was told disability could even take 1-2 years to work through all the steps.
What your help would give me:
A safe, wheelchair-accessible place for me and my children
Access to consistent medical care and home health support
Space to heal from a lifetime of trauma and rebuild a peaceful life
A chance to survive with dignity
Even a few dollars would make a real difference for me and my children. And if you can’t donate, sharing this link could help it reach someone who can help us. Thank you for reading my story and seeing me, and for being part of something that could save my life.
With love and gratitude,
Ashley
