I’ve never done one of these before, but I can’t imagine a more deserving couple.

After a long, difficult labor and a tough couple of years filled with health struggles, loss, and quiet resilience, my daughter Sam and her partner Joe just welcomed their first child… baby Oliver.

They’ve fought so hard to build a safe, loving home for him. The family’s helped where we could... but it’s time to reach out.

A Newborn, and Two of the Most Resilient People I Know...

On July 17, 2025, my daughter Sam and her partner Joe welcomed their first child… a beautiful baby boy (Oliver), 8 pounds, 12 ounces. 21 inches long.

They’re exhausted, proud, and more than anything… they’re grateful. This moment wasn’t guaranteed.

Just over a year ago, we almost lost Sam.

After months of unexplained pain, rapid and dangerous weight loss, and growing confusion, she was finally diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, but not before it nearly took her life. At her worst, she was too weak to stand or walk without help. Treatment was out of reach while they fought to get her approved for health insurance. Bills were piling up. Answers were nowhere. Hope was fading.

They lived in a small apartment where the bathroom and kitchen were downstairs, and the bedroom was up… and Joe, without hesitation, carried her up and down those stairs, bathed her, helped her to the bathroom, and cared for her when she couldn’t care for herself. He worked when he could, and when he couldn't, he stayed… steadily, consistently, lovingly.

During this time, Sam had to give up her scholarships and drop out of school. It crushed her. She had plans, dreams, and a fierce desire to build something better for her future family. But her body had other plans.

Still… she showed up.

She made it to her brother’s graduation last year, so weak she could barely walk, but she came because family matters to her. That’s when the rest of us realized just how close she was to disappearing.

A week later, she got the care she needed… just in time. A hospital stay. Medication. Rest. Slowly, she began to return to us. Still healing, but stronger by the day. And then, the impossible happened: she got pregnant.

It wasn’t planned, but it was welcomed with open arms and full hearts. From day one, they’ve poured everything they had into preparing for this child, this chance, this second shot at life. They moved into a small trailer home in Des Moines. Paid off some debts to qualify for housing. Replaced a broken-down car. All while navigating pregnancy, doctor visits, and the emotional weight of all they’d been through.

And now, here they are… new parents, facing a mountain of joy and a mountain of diapers.

They’ve handled so much, and they’ve never once asked for help. But I’m asking now, because they’ve earned a moment of peace, and the rest of us have simply reached our limits. The family has done everything we can to support them through this, but with me and her brother both returning to school and funds stretched thin all around, we just can’t cover these last urgent needs. I wouldn’t be asking if we could.

Right now, the one thing they still urgently need is a reliable washer and dryer. As any parent knows, newborn laundry doesn’t wait. And trips to a laundromat (especially after a C-section) just aren’t an option.

Our starting goal of $1,000 (to get ball rolling), was met. Thank you!

To do this right, and without cutting corners, we’ve set a final goal of $2,500. That allows us to help them through recovery and early parenthood with solutions that are not just temporary, but lasting and dependable.

Here’s what your generosity is helping cover:

• A dependable washer and dryer

• A few remaining baby essentials

• Some help with utilities and rent

• A full tune-up on their used car to make sure it’s safe and reliable... with labor generously donated by my son Will, who’s an automotive technician at a respected local dealership.

• Any extra funds will go toward other essentials: diapers, wipes, baby supplies, or catching up on lingering bills from this last brutal chapter.

If you're able to give, even a little, it would mean the world to them… and to all of us who’ve watched them fight so hard to get here. If you are not in a position to give money but would like to help, sharing the GoFundMe link would be wonderful!

Whether you donate, share, leave a word of encouragement, or simply take a moment to read their story, thank you. Every bit of support matters. You’re helping a beautiful little family breathe easier as they begin this next chapter, and I couldn’t be more proud of them for facing the impossible with courage, grace, and a kind of quiet strength that humbles me as a father… and now, a grandfather.

With gratitude,

Ben (a very proud new grandpa)

P.S. I also want to thank Bill (Oliver’s other grandpa) who’s been right there beside me on a quiet warpath to make sure Sam, Joe, and little Ollie have everything they need before bringing their baby home. From fixing flat tires to texting back and forth about washer and dryer options, he's shown up with compassion, humor, and a heart of gold. It's clear he loves this little family deeply and wants the best for them, and I'm grateful to be walking this path with someone who cares as much as I do.