What if the start of the letter was about D19 in general and the focus was about her college experience and how important that is for her? What if there is only a small section in the letter about your financial concerns and that you are reaching out to them for advice and any/all help they can offer? Is there a way you can weave in the financial sitch with H--not as the focus of the letter, but as a sidenote? If you come to them showing them you are at their mercy and need their guidance on what to do (more openended) might you get a better response?
I don't know them or their psychology. I am just trying to think of the most effective strategy while preserving a good R with them in the future.
Blu
“Forgiveness liberates the soul. It removes fear. That is why it is such a powerful weapon.” – Nelson Mandela