My life’s path has been a tumultuous one, marked by unexpected twists and unwavering determination. I am Shantay, a Navy veteran who once sailed the seas with purpose and honor. But in October 2016, my journey took an unforeseen turn—a medical discharge altered my course, leaving me grappling with uncertainty. But I knew I saved, and things would be ok, or so I thought.
In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey descended upon our world. Its wrath knew no bounds, and floodwaters invaded our home. My husband, two children, our loyal dog, and I stayed in our attic for 3 days. Our area wasn’t designated a flood zone, so flood insurance was absent. Our hard-earned savings were swiftly channeled into repairing our ravaged home. Meanwhile, school resumed for the kids, necessitating replacements for their clothes, shoes, and other school supplies. Desperation led us to temporarily move in with my parents on the other side of town, offering solace amidst the chaos until our home was habitable again.
Life had more challenges in store in 2021. My grandmother fell seriously ill, requiring constant care. She moved in with my parents, and my mother, selflessly, put her career on hold to attend to her needs. I stepped up, contributing what I could to ease the burden.
As if the universe conspired against us, my father faced a formidable adversary in March 2023: stage 4 cancer. His health deteriorated rapidly, and he had to stop working. The weight of responsibilities shifted entirely to my mother, who juggled caregiving, emotional turmoil, and financial strain. I continued to contribute, my heart heavy but resolute.
Then came the heart-wrenching blows. In September, my beloved grandmother passed away, leaving an irreplaceable void. Just two months later, in November, my father followed suit. Grief enveloped us, testing our strength and resilience.
The strain on our finances was palpable. To support our extended family, I leaned on credit cards—a lifeline that came at the cost of my credit score. Yet, amid adversity, a flicker of hope remained. I harbored a dream: to become a real estate investor. Despite the odds, I clung to this vision—a beacon guiding me through the storm.
Today, I find myself burdened by a staggering $50,000 in credit card debt. The weight of financial obligations threatens to drown my aspirations. But I refuse to surrender. Real estate beckons—a realm where I can rebuild, invest, and thrive. I seek assistance, not as a handout, but as a bridge to reclaim my footing.
If you resonate with my journey, if compassion stirs within you, consider extending a helping hand. Every contribution, no matter how small, propels me closer to my goals. Together, we can rewrite the narrative—one of resilience, determination, and unwavering hope.
May brighter days await, fueled by the kindness of strangers and the tenacity of dreams.
Note: If you wish to support my journey, please reach out through the platform or means provided. Thank you!!