We never thought we would be here, but life has a way of reshaping everything.

Six years ago, when our daughter Haidyn was diagnosed with Sanfilippo Syndrome a rare, terminal, and neurodegenerative disease — our world turned upside down. We sold our home, moved into my in-law’s basement initially to build our own home, but turned in to being able to survive financially, and have been doing our best to raise our girls while facing endless medical bills, the rising costs of everything since 2020, and the weight of a one-income household. We’ve run through our savings just trying to make it through.

This past week, something happened that tugged at our hearts. Our neighbor, who owned a small cabin that backs up to our family’s land, recently passed away. His family is preparing to sell the property: a two-bedroom, two-bath cabin on five acres, with a ramp already built — a detail that feels like it was meant for Haidyn and her wheelchair.

This home represents something we haven’t had in years: peace, privacy, and a place of our own. It would allow us to stay connected to Caleb’s parents through the woods, remain in the community we love, and give both of our daughters the stability they deserve. Our oldest will be heading to college next year, and the reality of how much harder things may become with Haidyn’s needs has been heavy on our hearts.

We can’t afford a mortgage in our situation. The only way this dream could become possible is if the home is fully funded. The asking price will likely be between $350,000 and $375,000. It feels impossible to even write that number and swallowing my pride to share this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but I believe in being honest about where we are.

So we are asking for help. If you feel called to give, share, or simply hold us in your prayers, it would mean the world to us. We want nothing more than to root our family here, in this little cabin, surrounded by love and land, giving Haidyn the most peace and comfort possible in her journey, and giving our oldest the stability she needs as she steps into her future. While remaining close to family.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for seeing us, for loving us, and for helping us hold onto hope.

✨Update for more details:✨

I, Carrie Fowler, am the recipient and I am the mother of Haidyn, my 10-year-old daughter who has Sanfilippo Syndrome, a rare, terminal, neurodegenerative disease. My husband, Caleb Fowler, and I are raising Haidyn and her older sister, and I (Carrie) am the organizer of this fundraiser.

Our plan for donations: All funds will go toward securing a home for our family. Specifically, purchasing a cabin that has recently become available next to our family’s land. We are working alongside the seller, real estate agents, brokers, and we are in the process of bringing this dream to life. We now have the official asking price of $359,900, and additional funds will cover closing costs, appraisal, inspection, and necessary preparations. I have adjusted the original goal from $400K to $375K because of this and will continue to adjust with clarity, as needed, as we navigate the process of additional costs, inspections, negotiations, and financial agreements of the purchasing process. If for any reason, the purchase of a home does not workout, we will refund to our family, friends, strangers and loving donors. We will work with GoFundMe to ensure donations are handled with integrity and transparency.

Purpose of the fundraiser: Our family sold our previous home six years ago and we received Haidyn’s diagnosis. We have been living in my in-laws’ basement since, trying to survive financially while managing the rising costs of living, medical bills and caregiving. This fundraiser gives us the chance to create a home of our own. A place of peace, privacy, and stability, where we can care for Haidyn with dignity and where our oldest daughter can feel rooted as she prepares for college. A home of our own also allows us the peace of mind, knowing it will be where we eventually grieve Haidyn’s loss and carry her memory forever. A home that protects our wishes for that time and allows us privacy as we navigate a world without Haidyn, one day.

Connection to donors / outreach: Many of our donors are friends, extended family, and members of our local and online communities who have followed our journey since Haidyn’s diagnosis. Others are kind people who have been connected to us through shares of our story on social media. We are sharing updates and reaching potential donors through GoFundMe, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and word of mouth.

We are so grateful for every single one of you.

Thank you!!!!