Hello,

Our names are Desirae and Ricardo and we are fundraising on behalf of our daughter, Dalilah. Some of you may have known us since the beginning of Dalilah's story, but for those of you who do not, let me explain: Dalilah was born with a congenital limb difference, meaning she is missing her right hand and fingers. It was a shock at first, since we did not know until the day she was born; however, we would not have her any other way!

Since she was a baby, she has met every challenge and every milestone with determination, confidence and pride, proving to the world that she can do life one-handed. Has she had some hard days? Has she had to make adjustments to her life? Have we had to do life by trial and error? Yes, to all the above, but she has accomplished so much in her little life already, showing us all that having a limb difference will not hold her back!

She has been a patient ambassador for Children’s Hospital of Colorado, participated in commercials, and strutted down the stage at the Colorado Avalanche Charity Fashion Show; she has met people that are just like her, on honor roll every year and is a peer mediator at her elementary school. She has been an advocate for herself and for others all her life.

Dalilah is now 10 years old and she has just gained an interest in getting a prosthetic for the first time and has her heart set on The Hero Arm. This type of prosthetic is a myoelectric prosthesis, meaning it can move mostly like a real hand. It has electric fingers that can bend and a wrist that also mimics real movement in a wrist, just like ours would. Now that Dalilah is getting older, she is gaining independence and likes to do things all on her own. She believes that having The Hero Arm will let her do daily tasks a little more efficiently, like doing her hair and helping in the kitchen. The downside to all of this is that it costs $25,000 and our insurance has denied this prosthetic as a medical benefit and will not cover any of the cost. This is why I am crowdfunding, to help get my daughter something that will make life a little easier and have her gain even more confidence in herself so she can continue to be a light to everyone around her.

I have attached a video below to hear her story and spread awareness with Open Bionics on why this is beneficial for her and all people just like her! Thank you!!