My name is Grace, and I am a devoted mother to my amazing 3.5-year-old daughter Ardella who is my entire world along with my son Aidan. I never imagined I would be asking for help like this, but I am now facing the most terrifying situation of my life—being separated from my child and losing the ability to protect and care for her.

On September 17th, a domestic violence incident occurred between me and my former fiancé, who is also Ardella’s father. I was the one who called 911 seeking help. I was wrongfully arrested and spent 48 hours in jail, despite acting in self-defense. All charges against me were later dropped.

After my release, I returned home briefly, but I was emotionally shaken and afraid to remain in the same house. The following day, September 20th, I packed my belongings and left. Since then, I have been staying with friends, in hotels, and with family—doing everything I can to stay safe and remain present for my Ardella.

Both he and I filed restraining orders against each other, mine in Nevada County, his in San Diego County. On December 15, 2025, my restraining order was denied, but the judge acknowledged my role as my daughter’s primary caregiver and awarded me temporary custody, with visitation granted to her father.

On December 17, 2025, at his restraining order hearing, the court made a devastating decision to grant him custody. I was ordered to turn my daughter over to him by December 21st.

This outcome is especially alarming and heartbreaking because:

I have been my daughter’s primary caregiver since birth

I have been a stay-at-home mother her entire life

She is still breastfeeding

She has always slept with me

I have been responsible for all of her daily, emotional, and medical care.

He has ongoing medical issues that significantly impact his ability to consistently care for a young child.

During the 48 hours I was separated from her in September, Ardella experienced distress that has since manifested as severe separation anxiety. The separation was the first time that she has ever significantly been away from me and was deeply traumatic for her.

When I have had to leave her briefly with my mother for court appearances, she becomes extremely upset and fearful, highlighting how deeply this situation is affecting her emotional well-being. Each time I have left her she says "Promise you will come back mommy?"

I am deeply concerned about the immediate and long-term impact this sudden separation will have on my daughter. I believe this decision does not reflect her best interests, her developmental needs, or the stability she has always known.

I am raising funds urgently to:

Hire an experienced attorney

File emergency motions and appeals

Advocate for my daughter’s best interests in court

Fight for a custody arrangement that prioritizes her safety, emotional security, and well-being.

And to help me be able to be in San Diego.

If you are able to donate, share, or support us in any way, please know that it means everything to me and my daughter. Even sharing this campaign could help us reach someone who can assist. If you would prefer to donate via Venmo my handle is @grace-rainville and the last 4 digits of my phone number are 8960.

I am not giving up. I am fighting for my child with every ounce of strength I have, and I am humbly asking for help to do so.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for standing with us during this incredibly painful chapter of our lives.

With gratitude,

Grace