Hi all! For those who don’t know me, my name is Gracie Cooper and I am a sophomore undergraduate student majoring in Animal and Dairy Science! For anyone who knows me, you will know from the time I was eight years old the massive dream that has held the entire trajectory and will of my life: my career goal of becoming a Veterinarian. Though it has been a long and very rigorous road and I have been doubted by many, my mind, passion, and love for this field have never wavered, and I am determined to make that goal a reality to give back to those animal lovers around me.

However, as I have reached my final loop in this process and seek to apply to graduate school in the next two years and make myself the most competitive applicant possible, I have had the opportunity of a lifetime fall into my lap and I need your help! In June of 2026, I have the opportunity to spend a month in Costa Rica participating in an internship under licensed veterinarians and wildlife professionals under the sanctuary of Wild Sun Rescue to help provide medical care and volunteer aid to endangered exotics of the region. Given the fact that this organization is a rescue, I have to provide the entirety of my funding for this dream of an experience. I am seeking to raise 8,000 dollars to be fully funded for airfare, lodging, and activities and anything I would be blessed to obtain I would be eternally grateful to you for!

One of my biggest passions burns for endangered and struggling animals, and as I seek to open my own practice one day with a rescue-based, anti-kill motive, this organization drastically stuck out to me when I decided where I wanted to allocate my time in my volunteer efforts. As I take the steps over this next year to prepare for a new step in my journey, I would be honored to have you alongside me. Throughout this process, I have realized nothing is possible without community, and I am endlessly grateful for the one that surrounds me. Please feel no obligation to give monetarily if you are not able; the words of encouragement and prayers I have received throughout my life have been greater gifts and carried me farther than any others! Whatever I receive will go directly towards my goal of making an effort to save those fur babies in need, big and small, and will not go to waste.

I would like to thank you for reading my story and supporting me in this endeavor. As a firm believer in God, I believe He has His will in every inch of this plan, and with you all, I hope to make that magic happen.

I hope to partner with you to help make an impact in the biological footprint of our planet and be the voices for those who cannot speak for themselves!

My gratitude and warmest regards,

Gracie Cooper