Naomi is my best friend and a devoted mother to four wonderful children. Her oldest, Eli, is nine years old and was born with epilepsy and a chromosome deletion. He has also been diagnosed with autism, is nonverbal, and requires a lot of assistance in his daily life. Naomi and her partner, Josh, also have Ronin, who is three, and a set of twins, Caelum and Octavia, who are just 17 months old. Their family has always faced challenges with strength and love, but recently, they have been confronted with something no parent should ever have to face.

On March 17th, 2026, Naomi and Josh brought Octavia (Avi) to Children’s Minneapolis for a sedated MRI of her brain and spine. The doctors discovered a massive tumor—measuring nearly 10 centimeters—that is pushing her spine outward. After further testing and a biopsy, the doctors have officially labeled the mass as cancer: a neuroblastoma attached to her adrenal gland. Surgery will be necessary to remove the tumor, but the family is still waiting to learn if it has spread to her bone marrow. This news has turned their world upside down, and they are now facing a long and uncertain road ahead.

Naomi is Eli’s PCA, and he depends on her for daily care. With so many hospital visits and the emotional toll of Octavia’s diagnosis, Naomi and Josh will need to travel back and forth to the hospital many times. The funds raised will help them cover essential expenses like bills, groceries, and transportation, allowing them to focus on caring for their children and supporting each other through this incredibly difficult time. Naomi has always been the first to help others, even when she had little to give. If you can donate, any amount will make a difference. If you can’t, please consider sharing this fundraiser or leaving a message of support. Your kindness and encouragement mean the world to this family right now.