If you're in a position or have the desire to help someone today, I hope you'll consider me.

Why? Oh gosh. I've recently been screwed in an unlucky way. I know, crap happens. Some of you may or may not know that the catalytic converter for my Prius was stolen. :( :( :(

If you haven't seen me when you thought you might or if I stopped talking about getting together, this might be why! I was a victim of a rising crime right in front of where I live.

!!!!&^*%%$$&*!!!!! (That's some of the anger kept inside.)

With a HIGH demand for the part (from a HUGE backorder due to how common this theft has become - a 6 to 8 months backorder!!!!) and a rise in the cost of the materials for the part, this has been a surprisingly costly and *incredibly* inconvenient problem for months now, with a domino effect of repercussions. Major life and work repercussions as well as on the car itself.

I kid you not, this was surprisingly expensive and I initially had no idea about the backlog for the part.

I was already upset by becoming a victim of theft, but I also didn't realize at the time how much of an issue this whole crime is or the problems it would cause. I had so many people tell me it wouldn't be a big deal to fix and it shouldn't take as long or cost as much as I was quoted...but none of them had a Prius or their personal theft was some time ago. And they were all wrong.

To quote https://getjerry.com/questions/how-much-will-it-cost-to-replace-the-catalytic-converter-in-my-prius:

"The total cost of parts and labor is between $2,145 and $3,000 to have a professional replace the catalytic converter in your Toyota Prius."

My goal is to help with costs that include the parts and labor, car storage fees, essential protective measures (including a shield), and domino damages due to lack of use (like the dead battery, for example), and occasional alternative means of transportation.

The actual costs are MORE than what my goal is here. Plus the fundraiser site fees.

If you're curious about personal details and what insurance is or isn't doing (not much), I can answer that for you, just reach out to me. I've never used this platform before, but I think you can reach me here if you don't have my personal info.

I would be so, so grateful for literally any help to get my car back and running. I hate needing to ask, but here I am.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Hopefully I will drive to you soon to give you a personal thank you and hug. <3

And if you're unfamiliar with the rise in catalytic converter thefts and the costs involved (such as why it's so high and such a hard part to get), here are some resources.

If you have a Prius, be careful! Read the resources below for preventative tips.

This is a pretty all-inclusive article about why this theft is so common, the parts shortage, costs, etc.

https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/catalytic-converter-thefts-target-prius-17621912.php

Other sources:

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-09-07/catalytic-converter-theft-toyota-prius-old

https://www.vox.com/2023/5/20/23728557/catalytic-converter-theft-scrap-price-replacement-toyota-prius-cars-insurance-protection