Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong brain‑based disability caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. It affects how the brain grows, processes information, and handles stress. There is no cure, and symptoms last a lifetime.

Common symptoms include:

- Memory problems

- Trouble focusing or staying organized

- Difficulty managing routines

- Impulse control challenges

- Emotional regulation issues

- Trouble understanding time, money, or planning

- Physical issues like bone pain, underdeveloped growth, and fatigue

- “Blanking out” or staring into space without realizing it

People with FASD often look “normal” on the outside, so others don’t see the daily struggles happening internally. It affects every part of life, work, relationships, independence, and stability.

I was born with FASD and taken away from my mom right after birth. My dad left before I was born. I spent my early years bouncing between foster care, grandparents, and relatives. When I was four, my aunt and uncle took custody of me, and I lived with them for most of my life.

Growing up, I was labeled a troublemaker in school, but a lot of it came from my condition. My family wanted me to act “normal,” but my brain didn’t work the same way. I went through endless medical, mental health, and physical tests until they finally diagnosed me with FASD and hyperactive ADHD. They tried Ritalin, Adderall, and other medications, but nothing worked.

My memory has always been bad. I forget things constantly, lose track of money, and struggle to save or plan ahead. It’s not something I can control, it’s part of my disability. You can tell me one thing and then 5 -10 mins later I'll forget what you told me.

As I got older, my bones became painful. My bones are undeveloped so I get aching pains in my neck, back, and legs, and even walking can hurt. I used to play sports, but now I can’t run at all.

I tried working. I worked at FedEx and retail stores, but the heavy lifting, long hours, and standing 8–12 hours a day made my condition worse. My body couldn’t handle it. My symptoms got worse every year.

Now I’m waiting on disability, in pain daily, and trying to stay stable while living with my girlfriend. But it’s not my home, it’s just where I stay. I was taking care of my grandfather as much as I could before he passed away a couple years ago. I was pretty much the only one to handle it because what family I have left didnt want anything to do with it, they knew what was coming but the guy with the disability has to be the one to take carebof an elderly. Most of my family has passed away, and I don’t have anyone else to go to if things fall apart. I don’t want to end up in a shelter. That’s not safe for me.

I’m raising funds to help with:

- Daily living needs

- Transportation

- Essentials

- A safe place to stay if I need to leave

- A small buffer so I’m not one crisis away from having nowhere to go

I’m not asking for luxury. I’m asking for stability, safety, and a chance to keep going while living with a lifelong disability.