This fundraiser is for my friend Christy, a casualty of the dismantling of USAID, and her wonderful 11-year-old girl named Sierra, who was born with a cleft palate and urgently needs braces. We are asking for your help to support her and her devoted single mom, Christy, so that she can provide the necessary care for Sierra.

Like many kids her age, Sierra needs braces. It's more than just a cosmetic step; due to her cleft, it's a necessary treatment for her long-term dental health and well-being. Getting her this care is Christy's top priority, but due to circumstances completely beyond her control, the cost has become an insurmountable hurdle. Still being unemployed, she no longer has health insurance, and CHP+ does not cover braces, even when medically necessary.

Until recently, Christy had spent nearly two decades building a career dedicated to public service and international development, starting with the Peace Corps in 2003. She held a meaningful job at EnCompass, a firm contracting with USAID. However, due to sudden organizational changes, her position was abruptly eliminated along with 400 others. The layoff was devastating, dismantling a career she had passionately built.

As a single parent, Christy is now facing the immense challenge of navigating unemployment while ensuring her daughter doesn't feel the weight of their financial instability. But Sierra is perceptive. When Christy asked her how the layoff has impacted their family, her daughter’s heartbreakingly simple answer was one word: "money."

No child should have to worry about family finances, and no mother should have to postpone essential healthcare for her daughter because of a job she lost through no fault of her own.

This is where we can make a direct and lasting impact.

We are raising funds specifically to cover the full cost of Sierra's orthodontic treatment. Your donation will go directly toward:

The initial consultation and down payment for the braces and expander.

The complete treatment plan and follow-up adjustment appointments.

The final retainers to ensure Sierra's beautiful smile lasts a lifetime.

Let’s rally around this family and give Sierra a reason to smile confidently. Christy has spent her life's work helping others around the world; now, let's show her that her own community is here to support her and her daughter when they need it most.