UPDATE 2/18/2017, from Sandra:

My deepest sincerest tearfilled heartfelt THANK YOU to each and every one of you that donated! There were many "anonymous" donors and so I wanted to get a message to everyone whether you submitted your contact info or not. This has been a roller coaster like no other that is drawing to an end...

With your gifts, I was indeed able to pay off the outstanding medical bill and put the rest towards attorney fees. Unfortunately, in a disastrous turn of events, my son and I are in fact going to lose our home and everything we hold dear materially. I take heart in the AMAZING community of supporters - either remotely as in this site, as well as my church community and friends in DC. I don't know what the next several weeks holds for us but I want you guys to know that I can't even begin to describe what a much needed uplift and inspiration it was to see all the words and donations POURING in. It gave my heart hope.

I love you guys and pray that God would return to each of you AND your own families 100 times over the immeasurable gift you gave to us.

With all the gratitude my heart can muster,
Sandra & Emerson Alejandro

ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION:

After a terrible divorce proceeding and several years of mostly solo parenting, Sandra and little Alejandro are finally able to know that they can stay in their home and build a new future.

But the last years have taken their toll, and left Sandra with a huge legal bill and an outstanding medical bill. After she had to fight so hard in court to keep her house, Sandra is again at risk of losing it all if a lien is placed on the house to satisfy the debt.

Over the next few weeks, Sandra's circles of community are going to "pass the hat" to help lighten this last daunting obstacle as Sandra and Alejandro rebuild a new life.

While the total goal set here is high, every dollar you give will help: the first $840 raised will pay off a hospital bill from Alejandro's summer visit to the emergency room. The first $5,000 raised after that will help Sandra make her first October payment to her lawyers. 

And Sandra has given so much to so many of us over many years -- in music, laughter, hospitality, wisdom, and love. Together, we can help her and little Alejandro through this tough time.

With gratitude.