Help Devin, Katherine & Juniper Through Brain Tumor Crisis

Fighting for Hope, Fighting for Time

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers,

We never imagined we would be writing these words, asking for help for a family that has always worked hard to stand on their own. But today, Devin, Katherine, and their newborn daughter, Juniper, need our support more than ever.

Katherine has been fighting brain and spinal cancer since she was 15, but for a year since their marriage in 2023, her condition was stable. With hope for the future, they decided to start a family—only to have their world turned upside down.

A Pregnancy Filled with Hope, A Diagnosis Filled with Fear

For a year, Katherine’s cancer remained stable, giving them the courage to try for a baby. But halfway through her pregnancy, their world shattered—Katherine was diagnosed with an aggressive, inoperable brain stem tumor known as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG).

Because she was pregnant, her treatment options were severely limited. She underwent proton radiation but couldn’t receive other therapies. Doctors advised an early delivery to give her the best chance of survival.

On December 16, 2024, at just 32 weeks gestation, Katherine gave birth to their beautiful daughter, Juniper.

A Mother’s Fight, A Daughter’s Strength

For 33 days, Juniper remained in the NICU at UCI Medical Center, fighting to grow stronger while her mother fought for her life just floors away in the ICU. The hospital staff made sure that Juniper was brought to Katherine’s bedside so they could bond—a mother and her fragile newborn, holding each other through tubes and wires, cherishing moments that were never guaranteed.

Juniper is now almost 7 weeks old and growing stronger each day. Though she is a preemie, she has proven to be a fighter, just like her mom. She has a heart murmur and will need ongoing follow-ups with a cardiologist and a retina specialist, but we are grateful that her overall health is good.

Meanwhile, Katherine remains in the ICU, unable to speak, unable to move most of her left side, and dependent on a ventilator to breathe. She communicates only by writing and answering yes/no questions. Her future is uncertain, but her love for her family is unwavering.

The Financial Struggle

Devin is the kind of man who never complains and never asks for help. He is incredibly hardworking, responsible, and deeply devoted to his family. Now, he finds himself balancing the impossible:

• Driving two hours each day to be by Katherine’s side

• Caring for their newborn, Juniper, with the help of Katherine’s mother

• Managing their home and supporting his younger brother, who lives with them

• Taking leave from work to care for Katherine and Juniper—without receiving any paid family leave yet

• Struggling to pay rent, bills, and everyday expenses while facing an uncertain future

• Once Katherine comes home, she will need round-the-clock care

• Childcare expenses will add another financial burden when Devin returns to work

Family members have been helping as much as possible. Katherine’s mother and father are currently on leave from work to advocate for her at the hospital and provide support.

This is not a family that is used to asking for help, but they cannot do this alone.

Our Goal: $50,000 to Support Their Family in This Time of Crisis

Right now, we are asking for urgent financial support to help Devin and Katherine through this devastating time. Donations will go toward:

•Covering essential bills, rent, and daily living expenses while Devin is unable to work

•Helping with caregiving costs for Katherine once she comes home

•Providing for childcare for Juniper when Devin returns to work

•Covering medical expenses and specialist visits for Juniper

•Easing the enormous burden Devin is carrying so he can focus on what truly matters—loving and caring for his wife and daughter

We have set a goal of $50,000 to help sustain this family during this incredibly difficult time. If we reach this goal and more support is needed, we will adjust accordingly.

No amount is too small. Every dollar, every share, and every prayer means the world to this family. If you are unable to contribute financially, please consider sharing this fundraiser to help spread the word.

Hope in the Face of Heartbreak

Devin and Katherine dreamed of growing old together, raising their daughter, and living a quiet, beautiful life. Instead, they are facing a reality no young couple should have to endure.

There is fear, there is sadness—but most of all, there is love.

Let’s show them they are not alone. Let’s rally around this incredible family and help them through the most difficult chapter of their lives.

With love and gratitude,

Jennifer Wasserman & Julie Hartwigsen on behalf of the Romero Family