Stephanie Castillo is one of the kindest, most thoughtful people to enter our lives. From the moment she began helping care for our daughter, she became more than just a caregiver—she became family.

Stephanie has a true gift: she can turn even the most ordinary day into an unforgettable adventure. We would come home to stories of treasure hunts, handmade binoculars crafted for spotting imaginary creatures, and most importantly, a daughter who felt deeply loved while we were away. She is a modern-day Mary Poppins although these days, she goes by “Miss Stephanie.”

She has enriched not only our daily routines but even our vacations, always going above and beyond to take care of things we hadn’t even thought of. Her presence has been a blessing in our lives and the lives of the many children and families she’s supported.

Unfortunately, sometimes terrible things happen to the best people. On Friday, May 30th, while stopped in traffic on the 118 freeway, Stephanie was rear-ended by another driver. The impact crushed her car like a tin can. We’re just so grateful she survived and she was alone at the time, and not with one of the many lucky children she cares for.

Stephanie was hospitalized in the ICU and has had to return to the hospital since then due to complications from her injuries. She is now home and focusing on recovery, but it will be a long road ahead.

Now, we’re asking for help on her behalf. Stephanie has poured her heart into caring for others—it’s time we return the favor. As she works to heal and navigate this overwhelming process, we hope to ease some of the financial burden from medical bills and lost income, especially as we don’t yet know when she’ll be able to return to work.

If you’re able, please consider contributing to support Stephanie during this difficult time. Every donation makes a difference—and so do your prayers and messages of love.

We miss her dearly and can’t wait to see her back doing what she does best: bringing magic, joy, and love into the lives of our kiddos. Thank you for your kindness!