My name is Natalie and I live in NC with my husband and three children. I am raising money for my sister. Sasha has a kind heart, food in her belly and not to mention is a complete babe. After high school she followed her heart to AmeriCorps NCCC where she completed 10 months of national and community service. I knew that she would encounter new challenges during her time with AmeriCorps, and become a better person for it. Her last assignment in Houston, Texas opened her eyes to a world she had never experienced before. Floodwater devastated an entire community. Working along side All Hands Volunteers, Sasha and her team successfully mucked and gutted 80 homes devastated with mold. She described to me families who not only lost their walls and floors, but also precious keepsakes such as home videos, baby photos, and family heirlooms; things these families will never get back. While nobody can replace their belongings, hope was restored when the volunteers walked in. She recounted a story of a little boy who placed a sign on a cooler of water that read, "for the All Hands Angels," and how her eyes lit with pride. And as her sister I knew that what she fell in love with the most were the impacts she made.

Throughout the entirety of her service with AmeriCorps, Sasha and I would have long discussions on the phone about her desire to continue to help others in need, and how she could make this apart of her future. While working with All Hands Volunteers, she heard about their efforts overseas in the Philippines and Nepal. Her interest grew quickly after researching the organization to great lengths, however the $1,566 fee prevented her from committing entirely with her current financial situation. It wasn’t until a fellow volunteer shared some words of wisdom that she found the inspiration that she was looking for. This person’s message was simple yet impactful, and provided her with the determination that she needed to move forward with her desires to continue on with All Hands Volunteers: "Travel and service are the only two things in this life where you can spend every penny you own, and yet somehow come back richer. You won't miss a dime of what you spend, I can guarantee it." Three days ago she traded in her savings for a plane ticket to the Philippines and Nepal, where she will spend two months helping people recover from the effects of natural disasters. She leaves in October. I'm asking for anything you are willing to give to help fund her travel insurance and necessary immunizations, as well as recover the cost of her hard-earned savings so she may continue her journey of service. Your investment will go to a girl trying to heal the world. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this story of my courageous sister whom I admire greatly, and for any monetary donations you are able to provide.