For almost 20 years, Elba has run a daycare in an underserved community. She's raised three children, supported herself as a small-business owner and educator, and never stopped showing up for others, even as years of bending, lifting, and physical work took their toll. By 2023, a herniated disk with severe nerve compression made every step painful. Two years of physical therapy and conservative treatment couldn't fix what decades of service had worn down.

Now, at 70, Elba is a grandmother to five. You’d expect her to enjoy watching her grandchildren grow. Instead, she's fighting for the basic independence most of us never think about. In October 2025, Elba underwent spinal fusion surgery that had become urgent as her mobility rapidly declined, putting her on a path to becoming wheelchair bound. Post-surgical infections led to emergency procedures. The infections are being treated, but nerve damage from the inflammation means Elba now requires round-the-clock assistance with basic care.

But Elba is fighting back. After the first surgery, she lost all mobility. Today, she can walk again. Her medical team sees a woman in a much stronger position than months ago, someone who refuses to stop progressing. Her next surgery is scheduled for December 2025. It's her best chance at nerve recovery, but in Mexico (where her care is provided), the full cost must be paid up front before the procedure can happen. Without this surgery soon, the nerve damage may become permanent. Her doctors believe she has genuine potential for recovery, but the window is measured in weeks, not months.

Over the past two years, Elba’s children have covered the vast majority of her medical and care expenses (over 50K USD), an enormous commitment that has stretched our family’s resources. Now, we’re asking for help to finish what we started. The amount we’re raising is just a small portion of the total costs, but it’s essential for Elba’s next two procedures and the rehabilitation that will follow. Elba has spent decades standing for children who needed her. Now it's our turn to stand for her.