My best friend Melissa has been living every parent's worst nightmare. Her sweet son, Cainen, has been in the pediatric intensive care unit for the past 3 months battling pneumonia and complications from frequent lung infections. Cainen was born with Down syndrome, XQ28 Duplication (a rare genetic condition), Epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, and he's deaf, all of which have further complicated his recovery. He has faced more medical challenges in his young life than most ever will. His mom and grandparents have been by his side every step of the way.

Recently, Cainen underwent a tracheotomy. His medical team believes this invasive intervention will help give Cainen's lungs necessary support and improve his quality of life. This intervention comes with huge, very overwhelming changes to his daily care and has, understandably, been difficult for his family to wrestle with. Once Cainen is well enough, he will be transferred to a rehabilitation hospital where he will remain inpatient for another 6-8 weeks.

Melissa and her parents' jobs have been negatively impacted by this hospital stay. The missed days, weeks, and months have taken a toll financially. Juggling who will be at the hospital with Cainen, who will be home to care for his younger brother, and how best to get Melissa to her part-time job has been complicated, to say the least.

I am asking for your help in easing some of the financial burden so Melissa and her family can focus on what really matters—getting Cainen healthy and home. Any donation, no matter the amount, will make a difference. Please keep Cainen and his family in your prayers.