Update: It is with a very heavy heart that I share this. After nearly a month in hospice, our sweet Arabella went to heaven on May 20th.

The doctors told us we would only have about 10 days with her, but she gave us so much more time than expected. For that, I am endlessly grateful. Every moment with her was a gift.

It is one of the hardest things in life to lay someone to rest—but it is even harder when that someone never had the chance to truly live. As her aunt, I’ve been heartbroken. And through this pain, I’ve learned to accept the things I cannot change. It forces you to build a kind of strength you never want to need.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, to everyone who donated, who sent love, and who lifted us up in prayer. Please continue to pray for our family—especially for her parents, Jess and Tim , who are living through an unimaginable grief. We kindly ask that you share Arabella’s GoFundMe and help raise the funds needed to lay her to rest with peace and dignity. Thank you so greatly to those who have already donated. Any donation, no matter the size, means more than words can express.

Two weeks ago, our family welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Arabella. She is the first daughter of my brother and sister-in-law, my sister-in-law’s first child, and the second baby sister to my nephew. Arabella brought with her so much joy, hope, and love from the moment we knew she was coming.

But shortly after her birth, Arabella suffered a severe brain injury caused by a placental abruption. After extensive tests and consultations, doctors confirmed that only her brain stem remains active—meaning she will never be able to walk, talk, or experience the world in the ways a child should. She has now been transferred to hospice care, and we were told her life expectancy is about 10 days.

This is every parent's worst nightmare. My brother and sister-in-law are facing the unbearable reality of saying goodbye to their baby girl before ever getting the chance to watch her grow.

Through it all, my brother has had no choice but to return to work immediately. He hasn’t had time to fully process this loss or be as present as he wants to be with Arabella, simply because he’s doing everything he can to keep up with bills and support his family.

I’m creating this GoFundMe to help lift the financial weight off their shoulders—so they can focus on loving Arabella in the time they have with her, grieving, and eventually honoring her memory. Your support will help with medical expenses, end-of-life care, memorial costs, and giving them the space to simply be with their daughter.

If you’re unable to give, please consider sharing this and keeping Arabella and our family in your thoughts and prayers. Every bit of support means the world right now. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.