Hi, my name is Mike Smargiassi.For ten years, I lived in darkness — trapped by addiction and bad decisions. I hurt myself and people who cared about me, and for a long time, I felt like I didn’t deserve another chance. But about two and a half years ago, I decided I had enough. I got sober. And with sobriety came a new life — one filled with purpose, love, and hope.Today, I’m beyond grateful to say I’ve built something beautiful. I met an amazing woman who believed in me even when I didn’t. She has a wonderful 10-year-old daughter, and together we recently welcomed my first child, Remi Amoré, who’s now 2 months old. Remi is everything I’ve ever wanted and more — she’s my reason to keep pushing through every obstacle.I’ve been working hard to build my own handyman and landscaping business, something I’m passionate about because I get to help people while earning an honest living. I even dream of one day being able to donate my time — maybe a few hours a week — to help folks who can’t afford basic yard work or home repairs. Helping others rebuild their homes and lives feels like a calling after everything I’ve been through.Right now, though, I’m struggling to keep things afloat. My family and I are supposed to move into our first home together at the start of March. The house was left in terrible shape by the previous occupants, so I’ve spent almost every day and late night this month trying to make it safe and livable — cleaning out trash, replacing old flooring, fixing pipes, and tackling a bedbug and mold problem. I’ve filled two dump trucks with debris and uncovered mildew and mold in the drywall and attic.I’ve been squeezing in small jobs to keep money coming in, but between the house and caring for my family, I’m stretched thin. And now, to top it off, my truck — my lifeline for work — has started stalling out and possibly needs a transmission repair. I’m crossing my fingers it holds up a little longer because I don’t have another vehicle to rely on.I’ll be honest — I’m exhausted, scared, and fighting off the kind of depression that creeps in when life feels overwhelming. But every time I feel like giving up, I think about my girlfriend, our baby, and this new life I’ve fought so hard for. They’re my motivation to keep going.I hate asking for help, but I’m at a point where I could really use it. Any support — financial or otherwise — would help me finish restoring our home, keep my truck running, and allow me to get my business truly off the ground. And once I get through this hump, I’m committed to paying it forward by donating my handyman and landscaping services to people in need.From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading my story and considering a donation. Your help means more than words can say.

With gratitude,

Mike Smargiassi