Our daughter, Gwendlyn Rose Mikulski, or “Gwennie,” was born at 23 weeks and 5 days — a one-pound warrior who spent 167 days in the NICU fighting through heart surgery, intestinal surgery, and two major brain bleeds that caused spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Today, she’s four years old, full of life, and lights up every room with her smile. She loves dancing with her walker, building forts, playing with her baby brother and sister, and watching Bluey with her favorite pink teddy bear, Ms. Teddy.

Despite her challenges — limited mobility, muscle tightness, and dependence on her walker — Gwen continues to amaze us. She’s learned to feed herself, brush her teeth, and walk with assistance. She works hard every week in therapy and never loses her sparkle. Her courage inspires everyone who meets her.

Now, Gwen has a chance to take her biggest step yet. Duke University offers a stem cell therapy program that could dramatically improve her mobility and independence. The treatment alone costs $15,000, not including travel and lodging for our family of five from Roscoe, Illinois to Durham, North Carolina. So we’re aiming to raise $15,000 to help cover the costs of the procedure. Any amount, no matter how small, will make a difference and help ease our burden.

Every donation brings Gwen closer to walking freely, dancing without limits, and living the life she deserves. Thank you for helping our miracle girl take her next step forward.