Nylah is 17 years old and the oldest of five siblings. A year ago, she lost her mom—my daughter—at just 33 years old. Since then, I’ve done everything I can to keep all five children together, raising them as my own. Their ages are 17, 16, 11, 9, and 4, including four girls and an autistic brother. Despite all the challenges, Nylah has worked so hard and is about to become the first granddaughter in our family to graduate from high school and attend university.

Nylah was recently accepted to St. Mount Vincent University, where she hopes to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer. But the cost of tuition, room, and board is overwhelming for our family. I am raising all five of my daughter’s children, and while I want to make Nylah’s dreams come true, the financial challenges are real. I don’t want her to have to sacrifice her future because of money.

Nylah is still grieving the loss of her mom, who was an incredible mother and gave everything for her kids. Her mom’s organs were donated, saving four lives and giving others the chance to pursue their dreams. Now, all we want is to give Nylah that same chance. There will be an empty seat at her graduation, and while that hurts, we want Nylah to know she’s supported and loved. Any help means the world to our family and will help Nylah chase her dreams, just as her mom would have wanted.