Our sweet Baby Sophia made an unexpected and dramatic entrance into the world — 15 weeks early.

On July 8th Sophia was born at just 25 weeks gestation, weighing less than 2 pounds. Her birth was both a miracle and a medical emergency. Her mother, Sadie, was diagnosed with severe pre-eclampsia, and things rapidly declined. She suffered a brain bleed, brain swelling, and a full seizure. Doctors had to perform an emergency C-section and quickly put her under full anesthesia to protect Sophia’s heartbeat and save both of their lives.

Sophia’s due date was October 15, but she arrived more than 3 months early — a complete surprise, and incredibly, on her grandmother’s birthday.

In just her first week of life, Sophia has already faced more challenges than most of us face in a lifetime. She is currently:

* On a ventilator, with a breathing tube placed in her chest

* Fighting a lung collapse and a hole leaking air behind her lungs

* Battling an infection requiring a blood transfusion

* Undergoing multiple procedures, including an attempted spinal tap

Her medical team at Ohio State University Hospital is doing everything they can, and we believe in her strength. Sophia is a fighter. We know she’s here for a reason.

Why We’re Asking for Help

Sophia’s parents, Sadie and Branden, have not left her side. But this journey has created significant financial strain, with more challenges ahead:

Sadie cannot return to work and does not qualify for FMLA due to the size of her employer

Branden has taken leave from work, and after two weeks, his income drops by 60%

The family went from a dual income to living on a fraction of their original household income

They just purchased their first home six months ago

Daily costs like $10 hospital parking, multiple trips, and food away from home are already adding up

This GoFundMe will help cover immediate and ongoing expenses during this long NICU journey, including:

Hospital-related travel & parking

Food, gas, and temporary living expenses near the hospital

Mortgage & utilities to keep their home stable

Anything Sophia may need during and after her NICU stay

How You Can Help

No gift is too small. Every donation, every prayer, and every share of this campaign helps this young family stay afloat while their baby fights to survive. Please consider supporting Baby Sophia and her parents during this unimaginable time.

We believe in miracles — and Sophia is already one.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.