Our sweet daughter Sofia is 17 months old and has already been through more challenges than most of us will ever face in a lifetime.

While I was pregnant, we learned that Sofia had aqueductal stenosis — a condition where a small channel in the brain becomes blocked — which led to ventriculomegaly and ultimately hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain). After countless ultrasounds and a fetal MRI, it was confirmed that she had moderate hydrocephalus, and we were told she would need brain surgery shortly after birth.

At 36 weeks and 5 days, we had to deliver Sofia via emergency c-section because she stopped moving. At just 11 days old, she had brain surgery to place a VP shunt to help drain the excess fluid.

Sofia spent 41 days in the NICU, struggling with feeding and recovery. After finally coming home, we faced more unexpected challenges: she had a cow milk protein allergy, was aspirating on milk, and had a strong bottle aversion.

In June 2024, sofia had surgery to place a Gastronomy Tube (g-tube) in her abdomen to get the nutrition she desperately needed.

In December 2024, Sofia was diagnosed with unspecified Cerebral Palsy.

In March 2025, she was diagnosed with hip dysplasia and had hip surgery in May, requiring a spica cast.

Today, at 17 months, Sofia is developmentally delayed. She cannot yet roll, sit, crawl, walk, or talk. But despite it all, she is the sweetest, strongest little girl with a fighting spirit that inspires everyone who meets her.

Sofia currently receives speech, occupational, and physical therapy, but we want to give her the best chance possible to thrive. We are hoping to take her to a specialized 3-week intensive therapy program in North Carolina. Unfortunately, this is not covered by insurance and must be paid out of pocket.

We are also looking into a promising stem cell treatment abroad, as it is not yet offered in the US.

We want to give Sofia every opportunity to reach her full potential and experience life as fully as possible. But we can’t do this alone — we need your help.

All funds raised will go directly toward Sofia’s intensive therapy, potential stem cell treatment, and any additional medical and travel expenses related to her care.

Any amount, big or small, makes a difference and means the world to our family. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing Sofia’s story to help us reach more people.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting Sofia’s journey.