Hello kind-hearted friends,

I am organizing this campaign on behalf of my dear friend, Charlyn Willis. Charlyn is one of the most dedicated, caring, and selfless individuals I have ever met. She is a single mother who has recently been accepted into the competitive Columbia Masters Direct Entry/DNP program.

Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond her control, she has been denied the loans she needs to attend the program, just two weeks before classes start. We are reaching out to you for help to ensure that Charlyn can pursue her dream and make a difference in the lives of countless mothers and babies.

Charlyn's dream of becoming a nurse midwife was sparked by her own experiences and the incredible influence of her mother, a lifetime registered nurse. Growing up, Charlyn was always fascinated by her mother's ability to diagnose and care for patients with such precision and compassion. She knew that she wanted to follow in her mother's footsteps and make a difference in the world.

Charlyn's path to nursing has been filled with challenges and obstacles. Carrying a child through a global pandemic, facing racial injustices and battling postpartum depression and anxiety, Charlyn has faced it all with unwavering determination. Despite these hardships, she enrolled in school just three months after giving birth, resigned from her job, relocated back to New York —all to ensure a better future for herself and her child. Her resilience and dedication are truly inspiring.

The funds raised through this campaign will be used to cover Charlyn's tuition, books, and essential expenses related to her education at Columbia University School of Nursing. By helping Charlyn, you are not only supporting someone who deserves her place in healthcare but you will also investing in the future of mothers and babies who will benefit from her care and expertise. Every dollar donated, no matter how small, brings Charlyn one step closer to becoming the nurse midwife she is destined to be.

We are incredibly grateful for any support you can provide, whether it's through a donation or by sharing this campaign with your network. Together, we can help Charlyn overcome this huge financial hurdle. Let's not let her flame blow out.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Tatiana and the Friends of Charlyn Willis