Danilo & Ana Paula: Great People in Need of Urgent Support”

Hi everyone—friends, family, and people I’ve yet to meet,

I’m starting this GoFundMe for my dear friends Danilo and Ana Paula, two incredible scholars from Brazil currently studying at Emory University through the Fulbright program.

Right now, they’re facing a situation that’s left them blindsided, stressed, and fearful. Due to major gaps in communication from both Fulbright and Emory, they recently found out they owe over $700 each in taxes to the state of Georgia—an amount that wasn’t supposed to be their responsibility through the unknown fact that they would be taxed on things from housing to their meal plan and even their access to the university gym. Things that were supposed to be covered by their scholarship. They only just found out, and the payment is due by the 15th. Now they are left fighting against a very bureaucratic situation littered with red tape.

To put it in perspective, $700 USD is equivalent to a bit more than a month’s worth of income for many people in Brazil. Imagine being in a foreign country, unfamiliar with the tax system, and suddenly being told you owe hundreds of dollars worth of taxes for things like your housing, meal plan, and gym access—things you were led to believe were already covered.

Danilo is someone whose presence instantly puts you at ease—his warmth and gentle energy are unforgettable. Ana Paula is full of boldness, light, and wonder—she brings life and laughter wherever she goes and has personally done that for me. Knowing them has made my life better in ways I can’t fully explain, and I want to show up for them now, the way they’ve shown up for others.

If you’re able to donate or share, it would mean the world. Every bit helps, and your support will go directly toward easing this unexpected burden.

Thank you so much,

Branden