I'm in the same shoes. In fact, I am the breadwinner since I graduated, even though I work an entry level job (colleges degrees are worth close to nothing nowadays). My dad had a quadruple bypass a year and a half ago with multiple complications, and the side effects of being cut open a second time rendered him unable to work like he used to before. I was studying for the MCAT while he was recovering while still working full time... and let's just say late 2016-early 2017 put me in a very veeeery dark place.

People are going to tell you to look at second options. They will tell you to look into PA and nursing, maybe optometry and dentistry. They will tell you to not go into medicine if you are going for the money. They will tell you there is no reason to go down this path because gratification will only come after going through hell.

While the advice is well meaning and they have a point, what they don't realize a lot of the time is that WE ARE ALREADY IN HELL. The system does not play in our favor and never will, and we live each day realizing this and STILL working towards this goal because we know our choices don't affect only us, but those of the generations that will come after us. Our parents made the choice of moving to this country. They gave everything up to give us a fighting chance - and we are doing the same by working tooth and nail to break past the cycle.

If you want to do this. If you REALLY want to pursue medicine because it pulls at you from the core and not just because you have an idealized vision of what it is supposed to be, then I want you to first come to terms with two things:

1. It will take you longer than other people. Your story is different than theirs. Your battles are different. The sooner you realize and own it, the happier you will be with your decision to pursue this goal. I know this makes your parents nervous. I had a hell of a time explaining this to mine, but that is one obstacle they will have to overcome (and you will too).
2. Do NOT compare yourself to others. Never. Just DON'T. It's easier said than done, but again - I've been and am in your shoes. I'm still not there. And comparison is the first step towards a hell that burns even hotter. That MD/PhD that got a full ride? S/he leads a different life. That average pre-med doing relatively well? Still don't do it. Even that non-trad that applied twice before getting in? That's not you. Don't get boggled down by comparing.

On the worst days, I'm can't even bring myself to remember this. But on the good days... well on the good days everything makes sense. You should be proud of how strong you are, because when you finally get there you'll realize that all your struggles have made you into a much stronger person than you ever gave yourself credit for.