The New OBBBA Bill May Kill My Vet Dream: Just $1 Could Help
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Help Fund Vet School Through LouLou’s Story — Just $1 Can Make a Difference
Hi, I’m Neal Justin Riel (aka Justin Riel aka Cornelius St. Clair) — and I’m asking for your help to make a lifelong dream come true.
I’ve been accepted to attend vet school at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, starting this next January 2026. My dream is to become a veterinarian who brings care to rural and underserved communities—places like my hometown of Lana'i, Hawai'i, where growing up, vet services were only available two days a month.
But recently, everything changed.
What Happened: The Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA)
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law. It eliminated subsidized federal student loans, capped graduate borrowing, and removed income-based repayment options—cutting off financial aid for future students like me, especially those attending schools outside the continental U.S.
Without access to federal loans, I now face nearly $90,000 per year in tuition and living expenses, with limited private loan options. That’s why I’m turning to the power of community.
I’m Asking for Just $1 (or $3 or $5...)
If 60,000 people each donated $1, $3, $5 or more, we could fully fund my veterinary education.
It’s a big goal—but a small ask. If you can give more, amazing. If you can give $1, that’s just as powerful. If you can’t donate right now, please share this with your friends, family, and colleagues. That ripple effect means everything.
Meet Loulou (aka Ragnar)
This journey started with Ragnar, a pitbull-lab I rescued from a kill shelter in the US State of Oklahoma. He was quiet, nervous, and gentle. Over time, he found his voice—and inspired my children’s book, Loulou Finds His Bark.
This book tells Loulou’s story: a shy dog who learns to speak up through love and friendship. It’s available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and every sale goes toward this campaign.
Prefer to support by buying a book instead of donating? That helps too!
Why I’m Raising Funds
Your support will help cover:
- Tuition, school fees, and Vet Prep relocation
- Ragnar’s cross-country drive + international flight to Saint Kitts
- Housing, food, and health insurance
- Equipment, books, exams, and licensing
- Remaining undergraduate debt now harder to defer
✨ How You Can Help
- Donate $1, $3, $5, or more – Every dollar adds up and brings this dream closer.
- Buy the book – Loulou Finds His Bark supports this journey while inspiring children worldwide.
- Share this campaign – Don’t forget to share with your friends, families, and colleagues. You never know who might feel moved to give.
This isn’t just about getting into vet school. It’s about turning a rescue dog’s story into a global mission of care, resilience, and love. It’s about proving that community support still matters, especially when government aid falls short.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of Loulou’s bark—and my dream.
With gratitude,
Justin & Ragnar (Loulou)
Follow our journey: Justin Riel Photography
Donate now: Justin & Ragnar's GoFundMe
Organizer
Justin Riel
Organizer
Portland, OR