Hello, my name is Tjandra. I am raising funds on behalf of my daughter Ariana, who is very sick and urgently needs medical care and stability for herself and her four children (ages 13, 10 (11 in DEC, Oma is sorry Salem) , 5, and 11 months and turns 1 tomorrow!).

Ariana’s health continues to decline. She has been experiencing severe fatigue, joint pain, and unexplained weight loss — she has lost nearly 85 lbs in less than a year, including 15 lbs in just the last month of her pregnancy. She is now down to 117 lbs despite eating. One sonogram already showed inflammation of her thyroid, but the process of finding a rheumatologist has been exhausting. Several offices denied her because they didn’t accept her insurance, and one even told her she was “too far away.” After being turned away multiple times, the referral has finally circled back and she now has an appointment, along with an autism assessment in early October. These steps are progress, but the delays are costing her health.

Financially, Ariana has reached a breaking point. She is already behind on rent, electricity, gas, and insurance. Her rent is only $700 a month for a modest 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath home for her and her children, but even that reasonable amount has become impossible while her health declines. Her income tax refund — the only savings she had — was used responsibly on insurance, phone, and bills. Now there is nothing left.

Her children are feeling the strain. Her youngest, Michael, recently told her: “Mom, I don’t want you to die.” No child should have to carry that kind of fear. Her son Salem, who has autism and ADHD, is also struggling. Ariana has started the process of filing for disability benefits for him, but approvals take time and are not guaranteed.

We are asking for help to cover:

Rent and utilities to keep a safe, stable home for Ariana and her children

Gas and travel for medical appointments

Out-of-pocket medical costs (tests and supplies)

A shower chair and other basic home support items

Clothes and shoes for the children, who are growing quickly

Babysitting/childcare during medical visits

Our starting goal is $5,000 to cover Ariana’s immediate needs — rent, utilities, gas for appointments, and essential support. If more funds are raised, they will go directly toward the cost of her medical tests and ongoing care.

To everyone who donates or shares: I will post photo updates, receipts, and medical documents as we go. I want you to know your kindness is making a real difference for Ariana and her children.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.