My name is Leah Rutherford, and I am a mother of two teenagers, a daughter (17) and my son (16) whose lives have been dramatically altered due to their father’s abusive behavior. Years ago, he managed to keep them in Alaska after a summer’s visit, sparking years of separation and financial hardship as I fought to reunite with them. This journey has been filled with heartbreak, mental stresses sometimes beyond my capacities, endless legal battles across two states, and financial strain that has left me without the resources that was needed to reunite with

In April of this year, my children were removed from their father’s custody due to a severe incident of abuse. The state of Alaska’s Office of Protective Services took immediate action, removing them from his home and placing them in a foster home. The process was filled with challenges and required finances for flights, lodging, car rentals, and hiring a lawyer in Alaska. But on August 13, the children were finally released back into my care under the conditions that my daughter stay in the area so that she could finish high school with her class. My son was to return to WV with me.

I arranged for her to stay with a kind teacher who had generously offered her home.  However, that arrangement is no longer viable, and it has become urgent for me to return to Alaska to provide a stable home for my daughter through her graduation. 
The financial strain of this past summer’s legal fees, travel, and lodging costs has left me struggling to find the funds necessary for this urgent trip. Alaska’s high cost of living further complicates my efforts to create a temporary home for my daughter while I work to support us there. I am reaching out for assistance with travel expenses, temporary housing, and basic living costs during this critical time.

My daughter’s safety and emotional well-being are my top priority, and with your help, I can reunite with her and provide the stability she desperately needs. Thank you for considering our story and offering a lifeline to bring us back together.

Thank you for your kindness and compassion and helping us find a way forward!

With great gratitude,

Leah Rutherford

i have documentation if asked I will send.