- R
- J
Thank you for taking the time to consider our plea. The small, unassuming “created by” box does not serve to demonstrate the amount of people that feel led to set in motion such a blessing for one of the most caring, considerate and self-sacrificing families that we know.
Alita and Riley met in 2011, fell in love, and married in the spring of 2012. Riley, who serves in the United States Coast Guard transferred from his post in Rhode Island to southern Maine to be with his love. He also committed his life and love to be a father for Alita's daughter, who had lost her own father in a tragic accident at the age of five. Their love for each other, as well as their family, grew quickly and they welcomed a daughter into the world that fall. Only days after she was born, it was clear to them that something was wrong. She was suffering extreme distress with her bowel movements and appeared to be in chronic pain. Doctor after doctor told the family that nothing was wrong, but through Alita and Riley's persistence, one doctor finally listened and it was discovered that nearly fourteen inches of her lower intestine were severely damaged, as well as her colon. At twelve weeks old, their precious infant daughter went through several invasive procedures that culminated with an ileostomy surgically placed to bypass her lower intestine. No diagnosis was made; the cause of her illness stumped the medical community here in Maine, as well as Massachusetts, where they were traveling to see several other specialists. As she grew, she began to have problems with her ileostomy and her surgeons decided to remove the damaged intestine and colon and set up a colostomy bag. She was only two years old at the time. The damaged tissue was sent away for analysis and finally a diagnosis was returned. She has Crohn's disease, one of the youngest people ever to be diagnosed. She is nearly three now and is doing well, but will have to take medications, see specialists, undergo procedures and possibly wear the colostomy bag for the rest of her life.
There are no words to accurately describe the stress and hardship wrought by this journey. It is financially debilitating. It is emotionally exhausting. Yet, through it all, Alita and Riley remain steadfast in their faith and their love. They are a joyful presence. They are endlessly seeking to serve those that they love. They consistently volunteer their time, they happily share whatever they have with those around them.
Just over a year ago, their family grew once more, and they welcomed a healthy baby boy into their lives. Alita stays home to care for their children. It is her joy, yet due to their youngest daughter's illness, it is also a necessity. Riley dutifully serves in the Coast Guard, yet the family struggles each year to provide for their needs. They often run out of heating oil in the winter heating the two bedroom trailer that they rent. To meet them you would never know their struggle. They are a light in our lives.
A few weeks ago, they discovered that their well water is contaminated with both Salmonella and E. coli bacteria. For about a month now, this family of five has been living in their small rental home, unable to drink their water, unable to wash dishes, unable to shower, unable to wash their clothes due to the health risk posed to them and their healthy children. The impact of contracting either salmonella or E. coli, or both, on their daughter already suffering from Crohn's disease would be catastrophic. Measures to rid the well of bacteria have been unsuccessful, which suggests that the nearby ancient septic system is likely leaking. They do not have the financial means to replace the septic system, and the property owner doesn't either. They are desperately searching for a solution. Alita has to transport soiled dishes to others' homes just to wash them. She has to drive to simply bathe her children. They cannot even wash their hands without using bottled water.
Those who love them have watched this family struggle for long enough. It is time now to show them what a blessing they are and how much they mean to the people in their lives. This is an immediate need. If it is on your heart to donate, we can't ever thank you enough. If you cannot donate, please pray for our cause. Our goal is to raise enough money to give them their own place to call home. Somewhere with enough space for their family. Somewhere safe, with all the things that we take for granted, like clean water. We want something better than this humble family would ask for themselves. Thank you for spending your time to consider this need.
Alita and Riley met in 2011, fell in love, and married in the spring of 2012. Riley, who serves in the United States Coast Guard transferred from his post in Rhode Island to southern Maine to be with his love. He also committed his life and love to be a father for Alita's daughter, who had lost her own father in a tragic accident at the age of five. Their love for each other, as well as their family, grew quickly and they welcomed a daughter into the world that fall. Only days after she was born, it was clear to them that something was wrong. She was suffering extreme distress with her bowel movements and appeared to be in chronic pain. Doctor after doctor told the family that nothing was wrong, but through Alita and Riley's persistence, one doctor finally listened and it was discovered that nearly fourteen inches of her lower intestine were severely damaged, as well as her colon. At twelve weeks old, their precious infant daughter went through several invasive procedures that culminated with an ileostomy surgically placed to bypass her lower intestine. No diagnosis was made; the cause of her illness stumped the medical community here in Maine, as well as Massachusetts, where they were traveling to see several other specialists. As she grew, she began to have problems with her ileostomy and her surgeons decided to remove the damaged intestine and colon and set up a colostomy bag. She was only two years old at the time. The damaged tissue was sent away for analysis and finally a diagnosis was returned. She has Crohn's disease, one of the youngest people ever to be diagnosed. She is nearly three now and is doing well, but will have to take medications, see specialists, undergo procedures and possibly wear the colostomy bag for the rest of her life.
There are no words to accurately describe the stress and hardship wrought by this journey. It is financially debilitating. It is emotionally exhausting. Yet, through it all, Alita and Riley remain steadfast in their faith and their love. They are a joyful presence. They are endlessly seeking to serve those that they love. They consistently volunteer their time, they happily share whatever they have with those around them.
Just over a year ago, their family grew once more, and they welcomed a healthy baby boy into their lives. Alita stays home to care for their children. It is her joy, yet due to their youngest daughter's illness, it is also a necessity. Riley dutifully serves in the Coast Guard, yet the family struggles each year to provide for their needs. They often run out of heating oil in the winter heating the two bedroom trailer that they rent. To meet them you would never know their struggle. They are a light in our lives.
A few weeks ago, they discovered that their well water is contaminated with both Salmonella and E. coli bacteria. For about a month now, this family of five has been living in their small rental home, unable to drink their water, unable to wash dishes, unable to shower, unable to wash their clothes due to the health risk posed to them and their healthy children. The impact of contracting either salmonella or E. coli, or both, on their daughter already suffering from Crohn's disease would be catastrophic. Measures to rid the well of bacteria have been unsuccessful, which suggests that the nearby ancient septic system is likely leaking. They do not have the financial means to replace the septic system, and the property owner doesn't either. They are desperately searching for a solution. Alita has to transport soiled dishes to others' homes just to wash them. She has to drive to simply bathe her children. They cannot even wash their hands without using bottled water.
Those who love them have watched this family struggle for long enough. It is time now to show them what a blessing they are and how much they mean to the people in their lives. This is an immediate need. If it is on your heart to donate, we can't ever thank you enough. If you cannot donate, please pray for our cause. Our goal is to raise enough money to give them their own place to call home. Somewhere with enough space for their family. Somewhere safe, with all the things that we take for granted, like clean water. We want something better than this humble family would ask for themselves. Thank you for spending your time to consider this need.