Our hearts are heavy today. This past week has been both beautiful and deeply painful. On December 10th, my amazing sister, Emily, and her husband Luke welcomed two tiny, beautiful preemie twins into the world. While we were so joyful at their arrival, our family is now walking through the deepest valley.

After five precious days, little Aurora went home to be with the Lord. Though her time here was far too short, she was—and is—so incredibly loved. Our only comfort right now is knowing she is safe in the arms of Jesus, having never known anything but the warmth of love.

As we weep for Aurora, we are also spending every moment possible at the NICU, holding onto hope and praying for her twin sister, Sophie.

I’m starting this fund because so many of you have asked how you can help. While we know that only Jesus can provide the peace that passes understanding, we want to help carry the heavy weight of the world for them right now. We want to remove the financial pressure of funeral costs and medical bills so that Emily and Luke can simply be with their family and focus on the difficult road of healing ahead.

Your gifts will go directly toward:

-Aurora’s funeral and memorial: Helping them say goodbye to their sweet girl without worrying about the cost.

-Sophie’s NICU stay: Covering the medical bills and deductibles that come with a long-term hospital journey.

-Practical support: Helping with travel, meals, and the missed wages that come with staying by Sophie’s bedside.

More than anything, we ask for your prayers. Please pray for the doctors, for Sophie’s strength as she fights, and for God to hold Emily and Luke closer than ever before.

Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus to our family.

With so much love and gratitude,

Karissa Neal