Our family’s life changed forever four months ago when our daughter, Liliana, was born at just 22 weeks gestation. At birth, she weighed 1 pound, 0.3 ounces and measured 11 inches long, tiny, fragile, and fighting for her life from her very first breath.

Since that day, we have lived in the NICU. Liliana has endured more in her short life than most adults ever will: heart surgery, pneumonia, multiple serious infections, multiple surgeries, and countless procedures. Despite everything, she continues to amaze us. Today, she weighs 8 pounds, 8 ounces, a testament to her strength, resilience, and incredible will to live. She is truly a fighter.

Throughout this journey, I have taken time off work to be by Liliana’s side, advocating for her, learning her care, and being present while she cannot speak for herself. I have slowly eased back into work, but now we are facing an impossible choice: the impossible choice is return to work full time and leave her side or stay with her and loose pay while risking loosing our house.

Unfortunately, there is no emergency leave available, and the financial strain of extended hospitalization, travel, and everyday bills continues to grow. We are asking for help so we can focus on what matters most, Liliana’s survival and recovery without the constant fear of losing our home or falling behind on essential expenses.

Any support, whether through a donation or simply sharing Liliana’s story, means more than we can put into words. Thank you for standing with our family as we continue to fight alongside our brave little girl.