Hi, my name is Izaleen, a former EMT for St Barnabas / SeniorCare and a mother going through the unimaginable.  

Our baby girl, Kailani, was born far too early due to a medical emergency that nearly took both our lives. I had undiagnosed preeclampsia that quickly escalated into HELLP syndrome — a life-threatening condition that caused my organs to begin shutting down. There was no time to prepare. 

Doctors had to deliver Kailani early to try to save us both. She was born premature and fragile — but she was a fighter from the very start. Despite her strength, Kailani has faced overwhelming challenges since birth. 

She suffered a hypoxic brain injury due to lack of oxygen, and she has profound vascular malformations that have made her condition even more complex. 

One of the most devastating things is that she suffered serious damage to her nose and septum while in the hospital — the entire tip of her nose and septum are gone — and we were never told how or when it happened. 

Now we’re being told that Kailani is not going to make it. Her lab results are showing signs of severe organ stress. Her body is shutting down. Doctors have begun preparing us for comfort care. 

 We are shattered. We’re doing everything we can to create memories — hand and foot molds, photos, keepsakes — because this may be our only time with her. But we are also drowning — emotionally and financially.

We’re a family of five, and our other children are hurting deeply: 

 • Alexander, our 13-year-old, is heartbroken. He understands everything that’s happening and is grieving the sister he was so excited to meet. 

 • Alani, our 5-year-old, asks about Kailani every day. She doesn’t fully understand, and I’m terrified of the day I have to explain that her baby sister isn’t coming home. 

 Both Alexander and Alani are autistic, and this kind of trauma is incredibly difficult for them to process. As their parents, we’re doing everything we can to support them — while also trying to stay strong for Kailani and each other.

We are currently facing over $15,000 in medical expenses and upcoming funeral costs. The financial strain is crushing us. We didn’t ask for this. We weren’t prepared for this. But we’re trying to give Kailani dignity, love, and peace — and we’re asking for help to do that. 

 Your support — whether it’s $5, $50, or just sharing this — helps us: 

 • Cover Kailani’s medical care and NICU stay 

 • Make lasting memories with her 

 • Cover funeral or cremation costs 

 • Support our grieving children as we navigate the aftermath of this heartbreak 

Please hold Kailani in your hearts. Her time may be short, but her love and her spirit are eternal. 

Thank you for standing with us. 

With love and gratitude, Izaleen, Bless, and our family