A Personal Update - And Two Urgent Needs We Can Meet Together

Hi friends,

It’s Charlie. I wanted to reach out with an honest update and share both a challenge and a beautiful example of what happens when people come together to care.

Over the last three weeks, I had to pause our latest campaign. We had raised $120 - and then life kind of hit hard.

In early January, my dad, who’s my biggest supporter and the person who helps me manage these campaigns, had to have two surgeries for mouth and throat cancer. It was scary and intense. He’s recovering now and starts radiation later in February. Around the same time, I was in Denver for a dance competition that had been on my calendar for months. School started back up, too. Honestly, everything just got overwhelming, fast.

As a result, I fell behind on fundraising. But the needs we’re working to meet didn’t pause. In fact, they became more urgent.

I recently got a message from Patrick, the college student we support through Seeds of Hope, and it really put things into perspective. Here’s a part of what he shared:

Dear Esteemed Donors,

I urgently require 10 short stories and Swahili novels at a total cost of USD 170. These materials are essential as learning is already ongoing. I need to read and analyze them early in order to adequately prepare for the upcoming crash course examinations. This semester is particularly demanding, as I am undertaking 9 courses.

Weekly expenses total $50 (transport, internet, meals after classes). The semester is 13 weeks long, with 9 weeks remaining.

We are also working to clear the outstanding tuition balance of $900 to allow me to report online for Semester 4 like other students have done.

Your assistance at this critical time will greatly enhance my preparation and academic performance.

Yours sincerely,
Patrick Wesonga Okhiya
Student, KU

Even though we were behind, something incredible happened. My dad - even while recovering - found a way to jump in and cover $500 of Patrick’s tuition so he wouldn’t lose his spot this semester. Then, his friend Dana Pierson donated another $1,000. Just like that, we were almost there.

Thanks to their generosity, we’ve nearly covered everything Patrick needs for his semester. Just a little more will help fully meet his learning materials and weekly needs.

Now, it’s time to turn our attention to Seeds of Hope - and it’s urgent.

The long rains are here in Kenya, which means it’s planting season. Farmers are ready to put seeds in the ground - they just don’t have the resources. We need to raise $500–600 in the next week or two to provide seed and fertilizer so families can plant in time. If we wait too long, the rain won’t wait with us - and they could miss the growing season.

This is our moment. If we act now, we can help students and farmers move toward a better future - one where education and food security go hand in hand.

If you’re able to donate anything - even $10 - it makes a real difference.

Thank you so much for sticking with me, even through the unexpected pauses. I know January was messy. But this is still a year of hope!

With all my heart,
Charlie
Founder, Charlie Cares