For most of my life, I have lived in highly controlled and abusive environments. Twisting myself into a pretzel to be good enough or lying or hiding, depending on what the situation called for in order to feel safe. In 2018, I lost my oldest daughter to addiction and the destruction of it gave me the strength to leave in order to keep my youngest daughter safe from losing her mom.

Since then, I have fought incredibly hard to heal, with my youngest at my side, and rebuild our lives from the ground up. My middle daughter fought addiction for many years but finally found healing 2 1/2 years ago in West Virginia where she is now thriving. Due to safety issues and trouble in my current neighborhood, I took my youngest down to WV to stay with her big sister in order to keep her safe. The potential for a season of the three of us together became a real possibility, but there were still hurdles that had to be jumped.

Yesterday (7-21-26), I was officially granted the legal permission to leave Michigan so I can join them!!! The season is on!! But because of the trouble, I have not been able to work outside the home in a couple of years (I even have a job waiting for me in West Virginia!!!) and I lack the resources to move more than I can fit in my car.

I've honestly felt like the only way to accomplish this feat is to sell everything I own in order to afford getting down there. But the fact is, my home holds the physical proof of my hard work and survival, alongside irreplaceable furniture I recently received after my grandmother passed away. I am broken hearted to give up what little family history I have to give to my girls and am praying that I don't have to.

I refuse to live a life of hiding, so I am here, being transparently raw with you because I just cannot do this interstate move alone.

What I need:

U-Haul with car dolly and road insurance.

Fuel and highway tolls from Michigan to West Virginia

First month's rent and incidentals so I don't end up underwater when I get there.

Total Urgent goal?

$2,500

Anything is a blessing and a step closer to getting to my new home and even more freedom with my girls.

With the sincerest heart,

Sarah Dean