Student-in-need, A Future Soldier Indeed

My name is Teena Spinelli and I am an art teacher in NJ.  As teachers, we are lucky to be a part of many students lives, but every once in a while there is a student that touches your own.  During my first year in my new school, one student did just that.  She was always on time, always gave me her best, and always with a smile for everyone in the room. I had the chance to become close to her in this final year of her high school career and as any high school teacher knows, we are most definitely preparing our students for life after that last school bell rings.  Though I am not writing her name for her privacy, she is a person that you would all be lucky to know.  Though she does not know you, she does want the chance to protect you, your family, and your freedoms.  From very early in the year she had let me know of her plans to join the service.  She was actively involved with her recruiter and taking the steps towards her future.  With the best of intentions, she had previously tattooed her knuckles with "Help Cure."  This was an homage to someone she loved and a hope for a future cure for cancer. Unfortunately, as many of you know, you may not enlist with visible tattoos.  Though I personally don't agree, as the bravery to serve your country should absolutely outway your personal appearance, it is the standard they have set and one she must meet.  A nurse friend recommended a truly kind man, Dr. Small, who was willing to help and kind enough to donate her first session to remove the tattoos.  She was so brave despite the intense pain intent on reaching her goal!  What I am asking is if you could please help me to help her reach that goal by raising the money to complete the sessions she needs to remove the tattoos so she can begin her future.  Every penny counts and I promise will be an investment in the most worthy of future soldiers.  She may not have the chance to meet you, but I can wholeheartedly say she will touch your lives through her service.  Thank you truly for helping me help this incredible young woman to reach her goal of protecting our country while seeing the world at large.