Help Ash and Elaina Reunite with Grandpa

Help Ash and My Love Bug Elaina Go See Grandpa for Her 13th Birthday

Hello, friends and family.

My name is Ash Hoffmann, and I’m reaching out with an urgent and heartfelt request. I’ve never been great at telling stories or finding the perfect words, but I’ll try my best because this means the world to me.

I’ve been on dialysis for six years, and it’s taken a toll on my body and spirit. The constant pain and health challenges that come with it have been overwhelming, but they’ve never stopped me from trying to be the best father I can be.

My daughter, Elaina, came into this world fighting for her life. It took 24 minutes to revive her, and doctors told us not to hope for much. They said she’d have cerebral palsy and that we shouldn’t expect anything more. But hope is something I’ve never been willing to give up on. From the moment she took her first breath, she’s proven them wrong, and I’ve been determined to prove them wrong too—for her.

Elaina is now 13 years old, and she’s my everything. Every fight, every challenge, every moment of pain I endure is for her. She’s my reason to keep going.

This year, I’m fighting for something extra special: I want my dad, Randy Hoffmann, to see his granddaughter again. My dad turned 76 this August. He’s been a landscaper his whole life, I promise he’s the best. But more importantly, he’s a storyteller, a grandfather, and someone who has always been there for me. He’s only met Elaina once, when she was just six months old, on my very first Father’s Day.

A lot has happened since then, and I don’t know how many more chances we’ll have for him to visit. My dad has had multiple heart surgeries, and his health is fragile. And with my own health on dialysis, I don’t know how much time I have left either.

My dream is to take Elaina to see Dad for her 13th birthday and Christmas. We’re planning a Harry Potter-themed birthday party on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Elaina is so excited about it, and we’ve got an amazing cake coming, thanks to Kristen’s creativity. But the best gift I could give her is the chance to see her grandpa again—to hear his stories, share laughs, and create memories that will last a lifetime. We are hoping to go Dec 27-Jan 1.

Unfortunately, I can’t work because of my health, and my dad can't fly here due to his health. That’s why I’m asking for your help. I need to raise funds to cover our travel expenses and make this reunion happen.

This journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve missed so many holidays and moments with Elaina because of my illness—last year, I missed Halloween and Thanksgiving while I was in the hospital. But I’m determined not to miss another holiday, and I’m determined to make this holiday season unforgettable for her.

If you’ve read this far, thank you for your time. If you can, please consider donating or sharing this with others. Every little bit helps, and your kindness could make a miracle happen.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Ash Hoffmann

P.S. Mark your calendars for November 23, 2024—it’s going to be a magical Harry Potter-themed celebration! ✨