Hi, my name is Kali, and I’m a mom doing everything I can to take care of my daughter, Octavia. For almost a year, Octavia has struggled with being underweight, and recently her condition became so severe that her body is starting to shut down. On April 20th, she will be admitted to the children’s hospital in Sioux Falls, where doctors will put in a feeding tube and keep her there until she’s stable enough to come home. As a parent, nothing matters more to me than being there for her every step of the way—but the reality is, it’s becoming harder and harder to manage everything financially.

We live about an hour away from the hospital, and between constant travel back and forth, gas, meals, and time off work, the expenses are quickly overwhelming us. On top of that, we have other children at home who need care—so we’re also facing costs for babysitters, help with school pickups, and trying to keep life stable for them too. We are doing everything we can, but right now, we are stretched thin and truly need help. This isn’t easy for me to ask, and I don’t want anyone to feel bad for us—this is just our reality right now. Between our monthly bills, rent, and additional financial obligations, plus missing work to be there for Octavia, it’s become a lot to carry all at once.

Octavia is so amazing and has shown incredible strength through all of this. For only being five years old, she has a lot of fight in her. If you’re able to donate, share, or even just keep Octavia in your thoughts and prayers, it truly means more than we can put into words. Every dollar will go toward travel to and from the hospital, food and basic needs while we’re there, childcare for our other kids, missed income from taking time off work, lodging if needed, and any extra medical equipment Octavia may need after her hospital stay. More than anything, this support will allow me to stay by Octavia’s side without having to worry about how we’re going to make it through financially. Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any support you can give. — Kali