Hello Lauderdale Native Community,
Today, I'm writing about something a little different. I want to introduce you to an incredible young woman named Ashlei, a wheelchair-bound student who lives with Cerebral Palsy. Ashlei is facing a pivotal and challenging moment in her life. She has been given the opportunity to complete her bachelor’s degree at the University of Central Florida (UCF) by spending her last semester on campus. While this opportunity is exciting and promising, it also brings with it significant financial and logistical challenges that are currently beyond her reach.
Why Ashlei Needs Our Help
Ashlei's journey to this point has been marked by resilience and determination. She has faced numerous obstacles, yet her commitment to her education and her future has never wavered. Additionally, Ashlei is wheelchair-bound and requires a special handicap-accessible dorm, adding to the financial strain. Here’s a breakdown of the costs Ashlei is facing:
$5,000 for Dorm Expenses: To secure her spot in a handicap-accessible dormitory, which is essential for her to attend her last semester on campus.
$3,250 to Keep Bills Paid: It's crucial to keep her current place of residence maintained while she's away at school, ensuring she has a home to return to.
$1,000 for Transportation: Frequent trips back and forth to South Florida are necessary for Ashlei to check on her house and attend doctors' appointments, which are vital for her health maintenance.
$600 for Books: Financial aid does not fully cover the cost of textbooks, leaving Ashlei to cover the shortfall.
$2,000 for Food: To ensure Ashlei has access to nutritious meals while she focuses on her studies.
$2,000 for Aid Care: Sometimes, Ashlei's aids do not show up, and she needs to have funds available to pay for out-of-pocket care.
$1,150 for Dorm Accessories: This includes everything Ashlei needs to set up her dorm, like bathroom accessories, pots, and pans, clothing for school, and a new printer.
A Call for Support
Ashlei's situation is urgent. UCF has asked her to come up for her last semester, and despite the disruption it causes to her life and health management, she has no choice but to accept. Completing her bachelor's degree is not just a milestone; it’s a gateway to a brighter future. She is leaving on August 15, 2024, and is hoping to have her donation goal completed by August 1, 2024.
We are reaching out to you our community of supporters, near and far to help Ashlei navigate this critical period. Your donation, no matter the size, will directly support Ashlei’s immediate needs and ensure she can focus on her studies without the burden of financial stress.
The information for Ashlei’s GoFundMe is located here:
Together, We Can Make a Difference
Let’s rally around Ashlei and show her the power of community support. Your generosity can help alleviate the financial pressures she faces and bring her one step closer to achieving her dream. No donation is too small, and every contribution is deeply appreciated. If you cannot donate, please feel free to share. Thank you for your kindness and support.