My name is David (last name withheld for privacy). For nine months while my wife, Deborah, was pregnant we scraped by just to make ends meet. We were already stretched thin caring for our older child, who needs special medical attention, and I never imagined I’d be doing this alone.

When Deborah went into labor there were complications. In the middle of giving birth she suddenly had a violent heart attack and died right there in the delivery room — our baby was half out when it happened. The medical team performed an emergency C‑section and saved our newborn, but Deborah did not survive. My whole world changed in an instant.

I am now the sole caregiver for a newborn and for our older child with special needs. I’m overwhelmed, out of money, and I don’t know how I will cover rent, medical care, therapy, diapers, formula, and the basic things these children need. I never wanted to give them up, but if I can’t find help soon I’m terrified I’ll have no choice but to consider adoption to try to give them a stable life.

I’m asking for a chance to keep my family together and get the help we need to survive and heal. Any support or share of our story would mean more than I can put into words.