Help me fight for rights to my son

Hello, my name is Angel "Gio" Rivera and I am the proud father to the most amazing 2-year-old named Caleb Grey.

I was presented with the chance to become a father and as a gay man, I saw this as an opportunity I never thought I would be blessed with. My longtime friend was ready to have a child and I was willing to join her in this lifelong commitment. A marriage between Caleb’s mother and her partner took place after his conception. At birth, unknowingly, I was not placed on my son’s birth certificate. Caleb’s mother and her partner have since separated. Due to their marriage and the birth certificate not having my name, the court has decided that they will not give me any paternal rights to my biological son. This leaves her ex-partner to have the rights that I was denied. My life is dedicated to my son and now, because of the unfair decision by the legal system, I have been stripped of any rights to my child. Any parent would know this is their worst nightmare come true. His whole life is being uprooted from the consistency his biological mother and I have given him. I am devoted to my son and he’s brought me the greatest joy. I had my own gender reveal, my own baby shower, and I have been there since the beginning, yet I am looked at as a sperm donor.

Now I am left with no choice but to fight for an appeal. I am committed to this fight for my son but this, unfortunately, leaves me with a financial burden that I cannot take on alone within the time frame required by the court to appeal. I am seeking any help from my family, friends and community and appreciate any contribution that can be made.

I thank you in advance for your support.