Help Isabella Take Her First Step Toward College and a Future in Musical Theatre

At just 17 years old, Isabella Delgado has faced more loss than most people experience in a lifetime. She was abandoned, orphaned, and asked to grow up far too soon. And yet, she never wavered.

Isabella is a senior at Binghamton High School with a dream of earning her BFA in Musical Theatre. Performing is how she tells her story, how she heals, and how she imagines a future beyond the circumstances she was given. Her plan is practical and determined. She hopes to attend SUNY Broome for two years, build a strong foundation, and then transfer to a four-year college to complete her degree.

Isabella’s father struggled with addiction and was unable to remain in her life from a very young age. When Isabella was seven years old, she lost her mother to a heroin overdose, leaving her orphaned at a young age. Just a few weeks ago, she learned that her father had also passed away due to a drug-related heart attack. By 17, Isabella had lost both parents to addiction.

Isabella’s story reflects the devastating impact addiction continues to have on families throughout our community, and the children who are left to carry that loss forward.

What saved her was her grandmother, her love of music, and a theater community that refused to let her fall through the cracks.

Isabella’s grandmother stepped in and has done everything in her power to raise her. On a fixed income, she has provided a safe home, stability, love, and constant encouragement. She cannot offer financial support, but she has given Isabella something just as powerful. Belief. Presence. Unwavering love. Isabella is standing here today because her grandmother never stopped showing up.

Throughout middle school and into high school, Isabella endured severe bullying that escalated into physical violence. While attending Binghamton High School, she was assaulted by another student, resulting in a permanent ankle injury that limited her future in dance. For her safety and health, her doctor removed her from in-person schooling. She transitioned to online education, where she continues her studies today.

What could have broken her instead reshaped her.

Isabella adapted. She refocused her goals, leaned fully into musical theatre, and continued preparing for college. She did this while grieving both parents, navigating trauma, and living with limited resources. She did not quit. She did not lose sight of her future.

Today, Isabella is ready to take her first step into higher education. But without help, that step may not be possible.

She does not have a laptop for coursework.

She cannot afford required textbooks.

She does not have the 300 dollar housing deposit needed to secure student housing.

These are not luxuries. They are the bare minimum needed to begin college. Without support from our community, Isabella will not be able to enroll.

Despite everything, Isabella continues to move forward with grace and determination. She takes the bus across town. She works hard. She shows up. She is a bright light with an extraordinary work ethic and a deep belief in education as a path forward.

This fundraiser is not about charity. It is about community stepping in where circumstance has fallen short.

Donations will go directly toward:

• A laptop for college coursework

• Required textbooks and school supplies

• The student housing deposit needed to enroll

• Basic essentials to begin her college journey

With your help, Isabella can go to college. She can honor the sacrifices her grandmother has made. She can continue building the life she has never stopped working toward.

She has never wavered.

Now she just needs support.

Thank you for believing in Isabella and investing in her future.