Help Kerling's Family Pay Her Medical Bills

Hello,

My name is Travis Barrett and I am raising money to help Kerling's family pay her medical bills after she was unexpectedly hospitalized. Kerling has been in the hospital for 20 days now, 4 of which she was in a coma. Thankfully, her condition is now stable and slowly improving.

I got to know Kerling while working as an Assistant Principal at Crockett Early College High School in Austin, TX. She was in my advisory class for 3 years. During that time, I came to know Kerling very well. I can confidently say that Kerling's teachers would describe her as one of the kindest, hardest working students they have ever met.

Kerling and her mother immigrated to the United States from Nicaragua to escape violence and seek educational opportunities when Kerling was just 12 years old. When they arrived, Kerling did not speak any English. She worked hard, and despite a substantial language barrier, she was a very successful student. She took advanced courses in biology, physics, and math. Her dream is to go to college, medical school, and to one day return to Nicaragua to work in a children's hospital.

Kerling's mother, Dianira, also works very hard. She worked multiple jobs and volunteered frequently at Crockett. She served as the parent volunteer for our Language Proficiency Assessment Committee, which I oversaw. She went to great lengths to provide for her daughter and to give back to our school community which she dearly loves.

Kerling graduated from Crockett ECHS during the midst of the pandemic. However the pandemic dealt her family substantial setbacks. Dianira struggled to maintain employment in restaurants that had closed or laid off most of their staff. As restaurants began to re-open, Kerling joined her mother working in the restaurant industry.

Just as it seemed Kerling's family was getting back on their feet, Kerling's unexpected hospitalization has sent them reeling. Not able to work, Dianira is now facing eviction, food insecurity, and surmounting medical bills while Kerling continues her recovery in the hospital.

There is no doubt in my mind that the contributions Kerling will make to our community will far surpass their current need for financial support. With your help, I am hopeful the challenges Kerling's family are facing will be a mere bump in the road and not something that derails them from accomplishing their goals.

All funds raised will go directly to Dianira to pay medical bills and household expenses. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your generosity.

Travis Barrett