From Abandoned Child to Future Advocate — Help Lilly Reach College

Hello, my name is Monica, but the title I cherish most is “Lilly’s Super Grandma.”

In 2011, my life changed overnight when I suffered a severe chemical burn to my lungs at work. The damage has caused lasting complications and medication side effects that have made it impossible for me to continue working. Since then, making ends meet has been an ongoing struggle.

Just a year later, in October 2012, another life-changing moment came when my granddaughter Lilly was placed in my care by authorities. Although her mother was briefly located, she left again in January 2013 and we have not heard from her since. Lilly has grown up with the painful reality of being abandoned by her mother, and unfortunately her father has remained emotionally distant and largely unable to support her financially.

For a child, feeling rejected by both parents can leave deep wounds. As her grandmother, I have done everything in my power to surround her with love, stability, and opportunity. But with my health preventing me from working, providing everything she needs has not always been easy.

Despite these challenges, Lilly has grown into an extraordinary young woman with a heart that shines brightly for others.

Instead of allowing her circumstances to define her, she has chosen to dedicate her time to serving those around her.

Lilly has volunteered as:

• A Pre-K dance teacher

• A Special Olympics softball coach

• An American Heritage Girls leader

• A YMCA Leader-in-Training

• A Room at the Inn volunteer

• A voter registration advocate

• A teacher’s assistant whenever possible

At church she volunteers regularly in hospitality, parking, special events, missions, and worship. One of her favorite roles is serving as a buddy for children in the Special Abilities Ministry, something that is very close to her heart.

She also serves year-round with Operation Christmas Child, where she has helped coordinate donation drop-offs for years and now serves as a Student Relations Ambassador.

Last summer Lilly went on her first mission trip to Camp Barnabas in Missouri, serving children and adults with special needs. This year she made a difficult and mature decision to cancel her mission trip so she could focus those funds on preparing for college.

Even though Lilly has sometimes faced insecurity and ridicule because of our family and financial situation, she chooses every single day to turn that pain into compassion for others.

And her hard work has already begun opening doors.

Lilly earned a scholarship to a wonderful small private school that has been an incredible support system for both of us. She is currently a high school sophomore and has been given the opportunity to begin dual enrollment college courses through the university she hopes to attend.

This opportunity would allow Lilly to graduate high school with an Associate’s Degree in Education, dramatically reducing the cost of her future college education.

Her dream is to attend college in Fall 2028 and pursue:

• A degree in Early Childhood Education

• A minor in Special Education

• And eventually a law degree

Her goal is to return to her beloved school to teach first grade, become their first special education teacher, and also use legal training to advocate for children with different abilities and their families.

She wants to be the person she wishes every struggling child could have.

But getting there will take help.

Because dual enrollment classes must be paid up front and are not covered by scholarships, the financial burden is simply more than I can carry alone. Over the years I have already accumulated thousands of dollars of debt just trying to keep us afloat.

Lilly is willing to work incredibly hard during these next two years so she can graduate high school with her associate’s degree and enter college debt-free with a lighter financial burden for college scholarships to cover.

It’s an ambitious dream — but one she is fully committed to achieving.

Education Costs for the Next Two Years

Expense

Amount

Summer 2026 Dual Enrollment (4 classes × $600)

$2,400

2026–2027 Tuition (after NCSEAA Scholarship)

$3,800

Summer 2027 Dual Enrollment (4 classes × $600)

$2,400

2027–2028 Tuition (after estimated scholarship)

$4,800

Books & Academic Fees (2 years estimated)

$2,000

Total Needed

$15,400

Every donation — no matter the size — helps move Lilly one step closer to her future.

If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser or praying for us means just as much.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. Over the years we have been blessed by so many kind people who stepped in at just the right moment. Today, we are humbly asking for that village once again.

Lilly has turned her hardships into compassion, leadership, and service to others. With your help, she can continue that journey and one day become the teacher and advocate she dreams of being.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for believing in Lilly’s future.

With gratitude,

Monica — Lilly’s proud “Super Grandma.”