Hi! Our names are Mackenzie, Megan, Emily and Rachel!

Together we are working to help our lifelong bestfriend Michelle cover her medical bills following an accident she sustained on a family vacation (family photo from the trip pre-injury). Below I have shared a note written by Michelle, and I pray anyone reading would see her heart and how incredible it is and consider giving in any capacity at all. No gift is too small when it comes from a place of love and kindness. As her friends and family, we are so grateful for your help and support. <3

A note from Michelle:

"A smile is something that allows us to express our happiest emotions - joy, excitement, love, inspiration, admiration, contempt, and hope. Even in times when we might not necessarily feel these emotions, a smile is there to mask what we may feel on the contrary. Sometimes we might even fake a smile, and that fake smile tricks our minds into thinking that we are in fact okay.

One of the things that I’ve struggled with most following my injury is the physical inability to smile. The inability to mask my frustrations, my sadness, my fear and anxiety, my diminished hope and joy.

Many of you know by now that I was involved in a traumatic accident while on a family vacation, resulting in multiple facial breaks, requiring an emergency room visit, and ultimately surgery. Unfortunately this event would happen in a 3 week span that I was uninsured due to a mess up in the insurance system, leaving me to pay for all medical expenses out of pocket. This has been the most defeating, yet humbling thing that I have ever gone through in my (almost) 28 years of life.

Life happens on its own timing, and often when we least expect it. I am just weeks away from entering my final year of nursing school in Jackson Hole, WY, which means that I am only able to work part time. I have had increasing anxiety about how I will be able to manage this influx of medical bills while also trying to get myself through school. I know, and I believe that God’s greater plan will get me through this.

While at times it may seem easier to accept defeat, I refuse to do so. Times may be tough, but I am stronger. I am learning that sometimes being “stronger” means having to swallow my pride and humbly ask for help. Any contribution means more than I could ever put into words. I am hopeful that I will come out of this even stronger than I was before, and soon I will be able to dedicate my life to giving back to the medical community.

Though physically I am unable to smile right now, I continue to hold on to hope that one day, sooner than later, that smile will be back. And just like being able to physically smile again, I know that I too will find my way back to that life-loving, full of joy, dream chasing gal that God created me to be.

To those who have, and to those who will consider any donation, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Sincerely,

Michelle"