❤️‍️ On October 13, 2026, our sweet baby girl, Zia, was diagnosed with leukemia at just 9 months old. A day that started with us believing our daughter simply needed some fluids and antibiotics turned into a day that would forever change our lives. For nearly a week, Zia had been experiencing persistent fevers. At first, we thought she was just teething. She had been scratching at her gums, and like any parents, we hoped it was something simple that would pass. However, as the days went on, her fevers continued. Her pediatrician explained that fevers shouldn’t last longer than three days and suspected she might have a urinary tract infection (UTI) and some dehydration. By the sixth day of fevers, we knew something wasn’t right. We decided to take her to urgent care, fully expecting to be told she had a UTI, receive some IV fluids and antibiotics, and return home with our baby girl. We never imagined that we wouldn’t be going home. During her visit, doctors performed blood work that revealed something far more concerning than we could have ever anticipated. Zia had tested positive for rhinovirus, a common respiratory virus. But what was even more alarming were her blood counts. Her red blood cells were dangerously low, her white blood cells were abnormally high, and her platelets were critically low. For perspective, a normal platelet count typically ranges from 150,000 to 450,000. Zia’s platelet count was only 20,000 and continued to drop. Within just a few days, her platelets had fallen to 9,000. What we initially believed was a simple infection had uncovered something much more serious. Her little body was struggling, and the abnormalities in her blood raised serious concerns for leukemia. After additional testing, more blood work, and being admitted to the hospital, doctors finally came into our room and delivered the words no parent should ever have to hear: “Your daughter has leukemia.” In that moment, our entire world stopped. We walked into the hospital thinking our baby girl needed help fighting off a simple infection. Instead, we were faced with the unimaginable reality that our 9-month-old daughter was fighting cancer. Everything has happened so incredibly fast. One moment, we were worrying about fevers, teething, and dehydration. The next, we were surrounded by doctors, medical equipment, blood transfusions, and conversations about cancer treatments and what the coming weeks and months might look like. Nothing could have prepared us for this. As parents, you do everything in your power to protect your children. You wish you could take away their pain, their fear, and every ounce of suffering. Watching our sweet, innocent baby girl go through something so serious at such a young age is a heartbreak we cannot put into words. Our family is now facing an unexpected and difficult journey. We have been told that Zia may need to remain hospitalized for an extended period as doctors work to stabilize her and begin treatment. During this time, our priority is being by her side, giving her every ounce of love and strength we have, while also making sure our other child feels loved and supported through these sudden changes. Unfortunately, this also means time away from work, lost income, mounting medical expenses, and the financial responsibilities that don’t stop simply because our world has been turned upside down. We never imagined we would find ourselves in a position where we would need to ask for help. But right now, our baby girl needs us more than ever. We are leaning heavily on our faith in God, trusting Him to guide the doctors, give our daughter strength, and carry our family through the most difficult chapter of our lives. We believe in the power of prayer, the power of love, and the incredible strength of our little warrior. If you are able to donate, no matter how small, please know that every contribution will help ease the financial burden so we can focus on what matters most: Zia’s health, her treatment, and bringing our baby girl home. And if donating isn’t possible, we ask that you please keep Zia in your prayers and share her story. We are incredibly grateful for every prayer, every message, every donation, and every person standing beside our family. On October 13, our lives changed forever. But this is not where Zia’s story ends. This is the beginning of her fight, and we will be beside her every step of the way. With all our love and gratitude, Zia’s Family ❤️‍️ Our little girl. Our biggest blessing. Our strongest fighter.