by Jeanette R. Harrison, MPH
The last few years of my life have been the hardest I’ve ever experienced. I’ve known struggle before—I’ve lived through things most people couldn’t imagine—but what I’ve been enduring since 2020 has pushed me to the brink in ways I never thought possible. I’ve faced cruelty, judgment, and a lot of people who acted like I didn’t deserve help, but through it all, I’m still standing.
When my ex kicked me out of our home so his girlfriend (now wife) could move in, I left with nothing but two suitcases, six boxes, and my little dog. That was my entire life—packed into a few bags. Starting over from scratch at nearly 50 years old, in the middle of a pandemic, with no car, no job, and no stable income, was a harsh reality. But I fought—because I had no other choice.
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Through it all, my dog, Mosie, has been by my side. The last few years have tested me in ways I never imagined, but I’m still fighting. This is my reality now—fighting for every inch while trying to rebuild. I’m sharing my story because I can’t do this alone anymore. If you’ve ever known what it’s like to feel like the world is against you, I’m asking for your help. Every bit counts. Link to GoFundMe here. |
In the past few years, I’ve worked tirelessly to rebuild. In 2020, I earned just $4,000. The following year, $10,000. In 2023, $15,000, and in 2024, I made $25,000, crossing the poverty line for the first time. But even with these small steps forward, survival is a daily struggle.
Every penny I earn goes to basic necessities. I’ve had to make gut-wrenching decisions to stay afloat, like choosing between food and transportation just to get to work. But despite my best efforts, I now face the terrifying possibility of eviction. After four years of barely scraping by, the fear of losing my home looms large.
I’ve stood outside in the freezing cold for hours to get food from local pantries. I’ve walked five miles home from the bus stop because I can’t afford a car. And even then, people act like I’m asking for too much when I reach out for help. I’ve been told I’m irresponsible, lazy, or that I don’t deserve any help at all. These words hurt, but they don’t define me. I’m not giving up.
I’ve done everything I can to turn my life around. I built a business from nothing, offering coaching and services to help others overcome life’s challenges. But getting support for it has been next to impossible. I pour everything into it, and the silence or negativity I receive in return is overwhelming.
I’m exhausted, but I refuse to quit. Even when it feels like I’m fighting this battle alone, I still believe I can rise again. I’ve done it before, and I will do it again. But right now, I need help.
I’m sharing my story because I can’t do this alone anymore. It’s been over four years of barely getting by, and I’m reaching out to you for support. I’ve set up a GoFundMe to help with immediate needs like rent, food, and basic living expenses. I do have a job, but struggling for years has left me with nearly nothing. I feel like I am barely treading water every day. Every dollar counts, and more than anything, knowing that someone cares enough to stand with me would mean the world.
If you’ve ever felt like the odds were against you, if you’ve fought to survive in a world that often overlooks you, I’m asking for your help. No amount is too small—every bit of support brings me one step closer to stability.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Thank you for believing that no one should face this struggle alone. And thank you for being part of my journey to rebuild my life.
With gratitude and hope,
Jeanette
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