My name is Cezanne, and I’m Alexis’ sister. I’m helping share their story and organize this fundraiser while Alexis recovers and their newborn daughter receives care in the NICU

Alexis was recently hospitalized with preeclampsia and had to be induced early at 34 weeks and 3 days. During labor, there were complications, and their baby girl, Zuzu, was born prematurely. She is now in the NICU while Alexis recovers.

Instead of preparing peacefully to welcome their baby home, this family is navigating a complicated medical reality while facing the urgent need to move their entire family across the country.

Two equally urgent needs are happening simultaneously. And they need help with both.

Alexis and Cory are raising five children together, and Zuzu now makes them a family of eight. Right now, their focus is simple: getting somewhere safe, financially sustainable, stable, and surrounded by people who can help them while they navigate a large life transition.

Three years ago, this family made a leap of faith. Cory answered a call to serve a congregation, and they uprooted their lives in Oklahoma to relocate to Marin County, California, one of the highest costs of living in the entire country. Ministry is a life of service, and like so many who answer that call, Cory gave far more than could ever be measured. To afford housing in one of the most expensive places in the country, the family took out loans through his employer just to secure a rental home, a debt they are still carrying today.

When a very difficult season in ministry came to a close, the path home to Oklahoma became clear. With no safety net and mounting financial pressure, they were already preparing to make that move when Alexis was hospitalized, and everything changed.

Their lease is ending, and staying in Marin County is simply not an option this family can afford.

Oklahoma is where their extended family lives. It is where Alexis can recover with support after a high-risk birth, where Zuzu can be welcomed by friends and family, and where Cory can begin rebuilding stable work while the family regains its footing. But they cannot get there until Zuzu is strong enough to travel. And every month they remain in Marin County costs $5,200 in rent alone, money this family does not have while they are between jobs with a baby in the NICU.

Here are the immediate needs this family is facing:

— April rent of $5,200 so they have time to get Zuzu out of the NICU, pack up, and Alexis can recover

— Flights for Alexis, Zuzu, and the children when cleared to travel

— Car shipping so Alexis can fly safely with her kids and a newborn

— Moving truck, fuel, and lodging for Cory to get their house back to Oklahoma

— Deposit and first month’s rent on a new home in Oklahoma

— A small safety net while Cory steps into new work

Alexis and Cory have spent years showing up for others, for their community, their friends, and their family. Now they are the ones in need of a circle of care.

If you feel moved to help, any gift large or small is appreciated and will help mitigate stress during an already stressful time and transition.

And if giving isn’t possible, sharing this page would mean just as much.