Our family is raising money for two urgent needs happening at the same time: getting our infant son the MRI his doctor ordered, and helping our family stay safely housed while we are having to leave the home we have lived in for ten years.

Our baby has a growing vascular birthmark on his upper spine, between his shoulder blades. Because of its location and the way it has changed, his doctor ordered an MRI to check for a possible underlying spinal issue, including concern for a tethered cord or another spinal abnormality. His insurance plan denied the MRI.

We are appealing the denial. We are making the calls, asking the doctor for more documentation, and doing everything parents are supposed to do when their child needs care. But the waiting, uncertainty, and financial pressure are already here. If the denial is not reversed quickly, we may need to pay out of pocket for the imaging or related care so we can get answers.

At the same time, our family of 5 is losing the home we have lived in for a decade. We are trying to find stable housing for our children while also trying to figure out how to pay for medical care our baby’s doctor believes he needs. Nobody should have to choose between a roof over their children’s heads and knowing whether their baby’s spine is safe.

I recently wrote about this, not expecting help, but because this is what our health care and housing systems do to families. Afterward, so many readers reached out and asked us to create a GoFundMe. People said they wanted a way to help, so this is that place.

Funds raised here will go toward:

• The MRI our baby’s doctor ordered, if insurance continues to deny or delay approval

• Related medical costs, appointments, travel, and follow-up care

• Keeping our family stable while we navigate the appeal process and housing transition

If insurance approves the MRI before we need to pay out of pocket, donations will still be used for our family’s urgent medical and housing-related expenses during this crisis. We will share updates as we know more. I had no intention of asking for help in this way, when I wrote about this, I just wanted to raise awareness for what American's face everyday in such a broken system, but so many people reminded me that we do not have to carry this alone.

Thank you for helping us fight for care, shelter, and a little breathing room. Thank you for being the careful hands.