I'm raising money for basic needs so I can feel good about myself and be presentable when I have to go out in public..

Why I'm using HandUp for my basic needs.

feel good about myself and be presentable when I have to go out in public.

About me.

I have lived in the city since I was a year old. I had a very rough childhood. I basically raised myself on the streets since I was 10 years old. I was taken away from my mom's care after I ran away because my mom's boyfriend was molesting me. I went out to Michigan when I get older and closed the 12 year gap between my mother and I and that is when we became close. She recently became sick and I want and need to be able to go up to Grand Rapids to make sure her final affairs are taken care of and my father is taken care of. I am really hoping to be able to. I had HepC for about 28 years and I have been cured for a year and a half with the new treatment. I now work with the HepC organizations to help prevent the spread of hepatitis.

My backstory.

I ran away from home just before my 10th birthday because my mom's boy friend was molesting me for a few years. I was brought up in the system and I overcame a lot of obstacles in my life. While I was in Michigan I became a medical assistant but then I had to quit because I have epilepsy and my seizures were getting bad. I wanted to leave before I got a red flag for healthcare so that if my health improved I could go back into nursing. I ended up leaving Michigan and coming back to California because of problems with my ex-husband. I kept in my contact with my mom constantly with phone calls and letters. Her passing was kind of sudden and that is why I need to go up there make sure everything is taken care of.

My goals, moving forward.

My goals are to get more involved with the community and help prevent the spread of Hep C and HIV with my work.

Other things I'd like to share about myself.

I recently became a Peer Navigator for EndHepC SF. I also run an after hours needle exchange to help stop and prevent the spread of Hepatitis and Hep C by handing out clean syringes and supplies to substance users.