Campaign for Karla

1 letter in the mail changed everything for my best friend, Karla. As a Costa Rican citizen, she's been responsibly living in the US for almost 5 years through visas that she's earned and paid for. A few weeks ago, that all changed — Karla was told that the US ran out of visas and she needed to leave her job, her American family, and her livelihood here in the US within 30 days.

Karla became an au pair for my cousin 5 years ago. Since we met, she's become my salsa dance partner, my confidant, my voice of reason, and above all — my family. And it's not just our friendship that her situation has burdened. She teaches 300 inner city kids in New Haven for whom she's created an equal opportunity second language program  at an elementary school level. 

But one thing about Karla is that she's a fighter for the people she loves and the causes she believes in. She wants to return to the US to get trained in educational leadership to continue making a difference in the lives of the children she's leaving behind. But to do that, she needs our help to raise almost $20,000 in the next 3 months.

Maybe you don't know Karla or her story, but if you have a best friend, hopefully you can resonate with mine. In the past few years, I've dealt with unforeseen circumstances within my family, and Karla has pulled through to help both directly and indirectly in any way she can. She's a source of strength, hope, and laughter — and she's a person that anyone would be blessed to have by his or her side.

She has a dream that I believe in, and if you met her, I knnow you would too. Please help her raise money to continue her education in the US and continue educating and contributing to the community around her. Cheers to you - Karla!