My name is Christina Fraboni, and I’m writing this as Sofia’s aunt and godmother. In August of this year, our sweet Sofia (who just turned 5 years old in July) suffered a severe hypoxic brain injury- a moment that changed her life, and all of ours, forever.

Just five months ago, Sofia was enjoying a carefree and joyful summer:

• Swimming at the community pool, laughing down waterslides, riding ponies and jumping in bounce houses

• Negotiating with her parents for her favorite dairy-free treats (especially ice cream and cupcakes!)

• Practicing writing all her alphabet letters as she prepared for kindergarten. She was so excited to start school at the same place her big sister Stella attends.

Today, Sofia’s daily life looks very different.

Sofia is now working on:

• Gaining more control of her gross motor skills, including coordinating movements of her arms and legs, as she is currently diagnosed with quadriplegia and unable to deliberately control or move her muscles.

• Re-learning how to roll from side to side on a mat and practicing holding her head up while lying on her tummy.

• Communicating through eye-gaze technology and using switches with small hand movements, as she is not yet able to speak.

•    Supporting her body and neck while seated in her wheelchair

The contrast is heartbreaking — a bright, active little girl with such a bright future whose world changed in an instant. But her strength, determination, and beautiful spirit remain. And as her family, we are committed to giving her every opportunity to heal, grow, and experience joy in her new reality.

Within weeks, Sofia is reaching a pivotal time in her recovery journey. After more than 4 months at 3 different hospitals in the St. Paul/Minneapolis area, Sofia has reached a point medically where she can be released from the hospital and continue her therapies at Gillette Children's as an outpatient.

These next 1–2 years are critical for Sofia’s recovery. I want my brother Nicholas and his wife Sarah to be able to pursue every possible treatment, therapy, piece of equipment, and technology that could give Sofia even the smallest improvement in her quality of life. I want Sarah and Nick to focus on Sofia and not be limited, stressed or burdened by the cost of these treatments/therapies.

That is why I am reaching out to you all today.

Your generosity will help give Sofia the chance she deserves — a chance at progress, connection, comfort, and the very best life we can give her.

Sofia was the light of our family and I pray and hope to see more of her light and spark as she comes out of this horrific incident.

Sofia’s Journey So Far

On August 1, 2025 my brother and his family flew to Minnesota to visit his wonderful in laws, who reside in the small town of Le Sueur about 1 hour from Minneapolis. The following day, a Saturday, the family went to the Giant Days fair — Le Sueur Minnesota’s beloved town celebration. At this fair his daughter Sofia consumed part of a corn dog that contained milk powder. Sofia has a severe dairy allergy and within minutes, she went into anaphylaxis and experienced cardiac arrest. Thanks to the fast action and expertise of the incredible team at Ridgeview Le Sueur Medical Center ER, her life was saved. After being stabilized, Sofia had to be airlifted to Children’s Hospital in St. Paul.

About 3 days after the incident, Sofia had her first MRI of her brain which only showed 2 areas of minor brain damage. However at this time Sofia began to have seizures that the doctors couldn't explain given her positive MRI results.

Sofia’s second MRI 11 days later brought heartbreaking clarity and an explanation for the seizures Sofia was experiencing. The imaging revealed extensive hypoxic injury — damage to deep brain structures as well as the surrounding areas.

Then, during her third MRI, we learned that the damage is even more severe than previously shown. The MRI revealed significant and widespread brain injury, far greater than doctors initially understood.

This means that Sofia will face lifelong cognitive and physical impairments. A full recovery is not possible.

We all miss the very special child she was — her independence, her energy, her personality, her spark — and the life she should have had. We long to see her again with a baby under her arm and her signature sassy walk. We long to hear her raspy voice tattling on her sister.

For more details on Sofia's story, please check out Caring Bridge.

Why I am Asking for Help

Sofia’s care team believes her brain still has remarkable potential to heal with highly specialized, intensive interventions. Many of the treatments, therapies, and supports she needs aren’t covered by insurance at all and many require travel.

Funds raised will help support:

These costs add up quickly and have become overwhelming for any family, especially while navigating the emotional weight of caring for a medically fragile child.

How You Can Help

Your support, in any amount, will directly fund Sofia’s medical needs and ongoing care. Every donation lifts a tremendous burden from her parents and allows them to focus on loving, supporting, and advocating for their daughter.

To everyone who has prayed for Sofia, sent messages, donated, brought meals, or simply held her in your heart - Thank You! Your kindness lifts our entire family. Your love surrounds Sofia every day. And your support gives her real hope for the future.

On behalf of our entire family, thank you for believing in Sofia and for helping us fight for her healing.

We are Team Sofia Strong.

With Love and Gratitude

Christina, Nicholas, Sarah, and our entire family