Dear Reader,
I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Shauna, and I am reaching out to share my journey with you, in the hope that it resonates with your generosity and understanding. Life has been a series of challenges and growth for me, and I am at a crucial point where your support could truly change the course of my life and the lives of many others.
At 17, I became a mother, marking the start of a journey filled with both joy and hardship. Despite the challenges, I remained committed to providing a stable and loving home for my daughter. My husband and I navigated through 20 years of marriage, raising our children and managing a construction business for 11 of those years. Unfortunately, the business and our marriage did not survive the economic strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a painful chapter of loss and hardship.
Throughout my life, I have faced numerous physical challenges, from a broken back and traumatic brain injuries to a torn Achilles tendon and a broken shin bone. Despite these injuries, I have always strived to remain employed, dedicated, and passionate about my work. I pursued a career in cyber-security, only to find it was not my calling. I then transitioned to massage therapy, which I loved, but lost everything due to a bad choice in roommates.
One of the most harrowing experiences of my life was being held captive for seven days by someone I was trying to help, a situation that ended tragically. This event deepened my commitment to helping others, especially those struggling with addiction. For the past few years, I have been working tirelessly in the recovery community, showing up for those in need and offering support whenever possible.
Recently, I found myself working as an armed security guard for a start-up company. I dedicated myself to this job, only to learn that the owner had no intention of paying me for over 340 hours of work. Despite this setback, my passion for supporting others has never waned. I have completed certification courses to become a peer and family recovery support specialist and am now beginning my observation hours at a place where I feel I can truly flourish.
My dedication to the recovery community stems not only from my personal experiences but also from the challenges faced by my 25-year-old daughter. I am incredibly proud of my other daughter, who is about to graduate from cosmetology school. These accomplishments drive me to continue my work, believing that I can make a significant impact.
However, I am currently facing critical challenges. My vehicle, a 2004 Honda Civic, is unreliable and unsuitable for my job, which requires transporting clients. Recently, my laptop was stolen, hampering my ability to keep up with client notes and progress reports. I am also in urgent need of a stable living situation to ensure my personal and professional success.
I am reaching out to you for financial support to help me secure a safe place to live, a reliable vehicle, and a laptop with internet access. These resources are vital for me to continue my work and to eventually establish a recovery village, LAF-Life After Fentanyl, where others can find the support and hope they need to rebuild their lives.
In return for your generosity, I am committed to repaying the financial assistance once I am stable and successful. I am open to discussing fair and manageable repayment solutions and any stipulations you may require. Your support will not only transform my life but also enable me to continue making a difference in the lives of others struggling with addiction.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I am not giving up; I am pleading for your help to continue this journey and to make a lasting impact on those who need it most. Your belief in me can help me believe in myself again.
With sincere gratitude,
Shauna Anne