Ensure Charlize's Success on Her Overseas Trip

My name is Kim and I am the mother of the beautiful Charlize. Charlize is an intelligent, bright 12-year-old in the 6th grade, embarking on new experiences as a 6th grader at Chapel Hill Middle School. Charlize was diagnosed at 6 years old with high-functioning autism, ADHD, Mood Disorder, and Anxiety. It has been challenging at times, but Charlize has worked extremely hard to balance it all with doctor supervision and therapy. What a learning experience for me as well! She has an IEP, and I work closely with educators to ensure she is successful. She currently has all A's in academics and a B in PE...lol. She hates to run...

Over the summer, the Douglas County School System in Douglasville, GA, ran a competition for middle schoolers for a chance to win an all-expense trip to New Zealand and Australia. Only 14 students were chosen out of all middle schools. The students were to write how the experience would enhance their educational and cultural experience. To our delight, Charlize's essay was chosen. I can't express how proud I am of her.

This will be a 14-day trip of amazement for this group of students in February 2025. Since this is a county-wide event, Charlize is not familiar with all the students or educators going. Additionally, she takes medication 2x per day. With the combination of the two and the time zone difference, I fear she may have some struggles adjusting without additional support from me. I would not want to put any additional strain on the 3 chaperones either.

Therefore, I created this GoFundMe to support the $9000 it will cost for me to accompany her. I started a new job in July 2024 and do not have the PTO to cover the trip and will need to take unpaid leave for a portion of the trip already.

I would greatly appreciate any assistance. Charlize has worked very hard for this and deserves to have an experience of a lifetime. I pray it will encourage her to continue to participate in these annual opportunities in the future.

Thanks,

Kim