Our Story: A Journey of Resilience and Sacrifice
Hello My Name is Jerikka,
I am writing this with a heart full of both pride and heavy burdens. In just a few days, my son will be walking across the stage to receive his diploma in Grand Haven, Michigan. This graduation is the culmination of a journey defined by sacrifice, perseverance, and a bond that never broke, even when life pulled us apart.
I became a mother when I was just a young teenager. From the start, we faced the world together, but the road was never easy. We have endured the crushing weight of homelessness and the pain of separation. To ensure my son could have a “normal” life—to give him the stability he needed to study, grow, and make something of himself—he went to live with his aunt while I continued to battle the challenges of being unhoused.
He did it. Despite every obstacle, despite the distance between us, and despite the “tough battles” he has fought, he is graduating. He has proven that your circumstances do not define your future.
The Critical Deadline: June 3rd
I am currently experiencing
homelessness and have no family or friends who can assist me
financially. To make this trip happen, I must leave by June 1st to
ensure I am there for the ceremony on June 3rd.
I am making the incredibly difficult choice to leave behind my fiancé and our dog. Even more urgently, our few remaining belongings are currently in a storage unit that is past due. Because I cannot afford the rent, I am at risk of losing everything we own while I am away. I am literally leaving behind my life to witness my son’s greatest achievement.
I cannot let my son look into the crowd on his big day and see an empty seat where his mother should be. I want to be there to tell him how proud I am, to hug him, and to show him that no matter how hard life gets, I will always show up for him.
How the Funds Will Be Used
To ensure I can make this trip safely and keep our lives intact,
I have set a goal of $800. These funds will be used for:
• Car Rental & Insurance (1 Week): To provide reliable
transportation for the trip and ensure full coverage while on the
road.
• Storage Unit Rent: To pay the past-due balance and late
fees, ensuring our belongings are safe and not auctioned off while I
am gone.
• Travel Essentials: Fuel, modest lodging, and basic
meals during the trip.
• Graduation Celebration: A special dinner
to honor my son’s incredible hard work and achievement.
How You Can Help
Time is running out. Every dollar brings me one mile closer to
my son and helps secure the little we have left. If you cannot donate,
please consider sharing this link with your network immediately. Your
kindness means more than just a ticket home—it means being there for a
milestone we both worked so hard to reach and keeping our life intact
while I do.
Thank you for reading our story and for helping a mother be there for her son.
With gratitude,
Jerikka
