My name is Jalia Ruiz. On August 7th, 2025, I received the devastating news that my little girl, Sy’Auna, only 7 years old, has Type 1 diabetes. She was in Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) — a life-threatening condition that could have taken her from us.

There is no greater fear than watching your child fight for their life. Thankfully, because I am a Type 2 diabetic, I recognized the symptoms. I checked her blood sugar with my glucose monitor, and it read over 600. I rushed her to the Saint Vincent ER, where she was transferred to the ICU. She is still in the hospital, bravely fighting through this new diagnosis.

Because of this emergency, I’ve had to miss work, and our funds have run dangerously low. Bills are due, and with school starting on August 25th, I haven’t been able to get her the clothes and supplies she needs. Unfortunately, her insurance does not cover the glucose monitor she’ll require, and we will need to travel to Pittsburgh for future appointments. We also face costs for other medical supplies and bills that insurance won’t cover.

I am here, humbly and from the bottom of my heart, asking for your help.

Every dollar matters. Every share spreads Sy’Auna’s story. Every prayer, every kind word, every act of compassion brings us one step closer to giving Sy’Auna the safe, healthy, and joyful childhood she deserves.

From one parent to another, from one human to another — thank you for reading, for caring, and for supporting us during this difficult time.