Help Ashley and Arrow Recover from Medical Setbacks.

Beautiful friends, family, and community - thank you for your continued support and check-ins over the last few years as we have navigated Arrow's illness.

On 12/9/2022, Arrow got his first high fever at less than 6 months old. Every 3-6 weeks thereafter, they have returned like clockwork with temperatures reaching over 106 degrees. As Arrow's sole provider, I was forced to take a medical leave of absence in June of 2024 to help get his illness under control and figure out the next steps for our "new normal." While I am SO grateful his disease did not end up being one of the "big scaries," it has significantly impacted our quality of life and the ability for me to maintain my income with the continued need for time off to manage his flares.

2025 has proven to be our most challenging year yet. While we have made great strides in regulating the severity of Arrow's flares, we both came down with pneumonia in February, further exacerbating our already dire financial situation. My pneumonia transitioned from a viral to a bacterial infection, which ultimately lasted three months. By the time I returned to work in May, the hole we were in was already too deep to climb out of.

It is with great embarrassment and hesitation that I share the next part of our story. The financial setbacks we experienced resulted in disruption to our electricity, loss of food, inability to maintain my vehicle, ultimate loss of said vehicle, and a constant struggle to afford daycare and rent on time. I have been working two jobs, sold as many of my personal belongings as possible, and still have had to lean on friends and family to make it by each week. (Truly, I don't know where we would be without your love and support. Thank you beyond words.)

While I have been able to successfully shield Arrow from these struggles, I have come to the realization with the help of those closest to me that it is time to share our story and ask for help. If you have read this far, please know Arrow and I are eternally grateful for all of the help and kindness many of you have shown us as we get back on our feet.

Sending so much love to any single parent reading this, or the parent of a child with a chronic illness. I see you.

Ashley and Arrow xx