Dear Family and Friends,

First, we send you our deepest love and hope that you and your families are well.

September has been an incredibly difficult month for us. My beautiful partner, Sophie, has had to endure two major surgeries in one day while I’ve stepped into the role of full-time caretaker, family provider, and father - all at once.

Sophie’s medical journey began years ago, in the summer of 2017. While carrying our little son, Joaquin, in her arms during a sudden rainstorm, she tripped on a broken pavement. Her first instinct was not to protect herself, but to shield and keep Joaquin safe. Unfortunately, she took the full impact of the fall on her knee. The result was a devastating fracture of her kneecap.

Within days of her fall, Sophie was rushed into surgery. Sadly, that operation — performed in a public hospital by interns — left her with surgical pins in her knee that should have been removed within a year. No one ever told her. For seven long years, Sophie endured constant pain and discomfort when exercising because of those pins.

This September, just as we were finally preparing for the long-overdue procedure to remove them, we were hit with another crushing blow: Sophie was suddenly diagnosed with gallbladder stones. The situation was urgent. In one grueling day, doctors performed two major surgeries back-to-back — removing the surgical pins from her knee while also performing a cholecystectomy, taking out her gallbladder along with over 50 stones that had been threatening her health.

Through it all, Sophie has shown a strength and grace that inspires everyone who knows her. She is an incredible mother, a devoted daughter and sister, a beloved teacher to her art students, and the most loving and supportive partner I could ever ask for.

But as you can imagine, the financial toll has been overwhelming. Without medical insurance and with only my income to support our family, we now face a mountain of unexpected medical bills.

Here are just some of the expenses we are working to cover:

How You Can Help

We are asking, from the depths of our hearts, for your support. Every contribution — no matter the size — will go directly toward Sophie’s recovery and the medical bills that weigh heavily on our family.

If you are able, please consider giving as generously as you can. Your gift will not only ease our financial burden but will also give Sophie the peace of mind she needs to focus fully on healing. I will be documenting her recovery and sharing photos and updates our fundraiser.

If you are able to give, no matter the amount, please also add a note to your donation. Sophie and I want to personally thank you for your generosity, your prayers, and the love you are showing us in this difficult time.

If a donation is not possible at this time, we kindly ask that you share this campaign with your friends and family on social media. Your voice can help us reach others who may be able to help.

From our family to yours: thank you for standing with us throughout this difficult time. Your kindness, prayers, and generosity mean more than words can express.

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With gratitude and love,

Sophie, Nova, Joaquin and David