My sweet niece, Eliana, was born on March 20, 2025. From the very beginning, she has shown just how strong she is. Eliana was born with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) and congenital pseudoarthrosis, a rare and serious condition that affects how bones grow and heal. In her case, one of the bones in her left leg was literally broken at birth and unable to heal on its own. NF1 is a genetic condition that affects how nerves, skin, bones, and other parts of the body develop. It can cause a wide range of complications, including bone abnormalities, delayed healing, chronic pain, and mobility challenges. In children, NF1 can make fractures much harder, or even impossible, to heal without surgical intervention. It is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing medical care and monitoring, and while there is currently no cure, early and specialized treatment can make a tremendous difference in a child’s quality of life. Eliana is one of the youngest children diagnosed with this rare combination of conditions in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. Without her brace, her foot and leg lack the stability needed to support normal movement, making mobility difficult and sometimes painful. In March 2026, Eliana traveled from Puerto Rico to Philadelphia to receive specialized care at Shriners Children’s Hospital, as this level of treatment is not available locally. On March 24, 2026, she underwent a major limb-saving surgery that included: • Bone graft (left leg) • Tibia and fibula osteoplasty (left leg) • Repair of tibial nonunion with autograft (left leg) The surgery was successful and gave Eliana the best possible chance at building a stronger, more stable leg. However, her journey is far from over. Eliana was also born with clubfoot. While it was successfully corrected during infancy, her foot has gradually shifted back out of position as she has grown. Because of this, she will require another clubfoot surgery, followed by specialized bracing to help maintain proper alignment and prevent future recurrence. In addition to her surgeries, Eliana receives phosphonate infusions to help strengthen her bones and support her treatment. These infusions are an important part of managing her condition and helping her body heal. Because congenital pseudoarthrosis and NF1 affect bone growth, Eliana will continue to require long-term orthopedic care throughout childhood. The rod currently supporting her leg will need to be surgically replaced or adjusted as she grows, and she is expected to undergo another major surgery around March 2027. This means additional travel, hospital stays, follow-up appointments, imaging, braces, therapies, and ongoing medical expenses in the years ahead. Despite everything she has faced, Eliana is an incredibly happy, funny little girl with a huge personality. She loves watching Ms. Rachel, makes everyone around her smile, and lights up every room she enters. She is deeply loved and supported by her amazing parents, Kiana and Christian, who have dedicated themselves to making sure she receives the best care possible. As Eliana continues this journey, our family is asking for help with the many expenses that come with accessing specialized treatment outside of Puerto Rico, including: • Plane tickets • Lodging near the hospital • Transportation • Food during extended stays • Medical supplies and braces • Follow-up appointments and future surgeries • Other recovery-related expenses Every donation, no matter the amount, helps relieve some of the financial burden and allows Eliana’s parents to focus on what matters most: being present for their daughter throughout her treatment and recovery. If you are unable to donate, sharing Eliana’s story means the world to us. Thank you for taking the time to read about Eliana and for supporting her as she continues to fight with strength, courage, and a smile.