My name is Michael, and I am trying to save the home my mother lived in for 42 years, where I was her caretaker, and where I currently live.

My mother, Donna Hanley, served 25 years as a deputy with the Marion County Sheriff's Office. The home she lived in for 42 yearswas made possible by that work.

She passed away at the age of 92.

During the final 7 years of her life, she was unable to walk and confined to a bed. I cared for her at home because I couldn't bear the thought of her spending her final years in a nursing home.

The first time she was ever in a nursing home came after a surgical procedure, and she needed to stay there as part of her rehabilitation. She was there for 21 days. Every day she told me she was scared and asked me to stay with her. She cried a lot. I slept there every night until one day I was told overnight stays were not allowed.

That experience was soul-crushing. I promised myself that she would never spend another moment in a nursing home unless it was absolutely medically necessary.

I was able to keep that promise. We were able to live on her pension, Social Security, and my savings, which allowed me to care for her full-time.

What I didn’t understand at the time was that I was developing a dissociative disorder. Developed and solidified over nearly 7 years.

Dissociation caused me to become mentally numb and singularly focused.

All that mattered to me was keeping my mom out of a nursing home. I was physically there, but mentally was not. It was the only way I could continue doing something that was a lot harder on me than I wanted to admit. Or even realized.

I sought help a few times over the years because I knew something wasn't right. Nothing helped. Nothing "fixed me".

It was only about 18 months ago that a doctor was finally able to diagnose what had happened. She explained the what, the how, and the why.

For the first time, I had an explanation and a path forward.

During those years before I had an answer, my work, finances, and relationships with friends and family all suffered.

I have exhausted my retirement and savings while trying to rebuild and reclaim my life.

Because of that, I fell behind financially and the home is now scheduled for a sheriff’s sale.

There is a deep sadness and irony in the fact that the Marion County Sheriff’s Department is now selling the home that was made possible by the same department where my mother served for 25 years and where she spent 42 years of her life.

I am trying to raise $13,000, which is the amount required to stop the sheriff's sale and bring current the payments on the home equity loan my mother had taken out.

I am actively working toward returning to work. I am intentionally seeking work outside the home because the isolation that came from caregiving and everything that followed made my condition worse. Being around coworkers and people again will be an important, welcomed part of my recovery.

I have no regrets about caring for my mother. If I had to make the choice again, I would. I would just try to take better care of myself along the way.

I also share this home with a German shepherd who came to me as a young stray. He was wary of people and other animals when he first arrived, and over time we formed a strong bond. I also care for two indoor cats and several outdoor cats that depend on me.

Losing this home would mean losing the ability to care for them as well.

Any funds raised beyond the amount needed to stop the foreclosure will go toward past-due utilities, necessary home repairs and maintenance, and upcoming loan payments while I continue treatment and return to work.

I never imagined I would be asking for help like this. But I am doing everything I can to rebuild my life and keep this home.

If you are able to donate or share this campaign, I would be deeply grateful.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.