Help Us Stay by Lena's Side: Born 13 Weeks Early

Our sweet baby Lena arrived 13 weeks early, turning our world upside down in an instant. Born weighing just 2.5 lbs at 27 weeks — a tiny but incredibly strong fighter who entered the world far sooner than expected. She is now in the NICU, where she'll remain for the foreseeable future, receiving critical, around-the-clock care. Every day brings new challenges, but also small victories, and we are holding on tightly to hope.

While we are endlessly grateful for the medical team keeping our baby stable, the emotional and financial toll of this journey is overwhelming.

This unexpected early arrival has placed an enormous emotional and financial strain on our family. I am only receiving partial pay during my maternity leave, and Tyler receives no paternity leave at all, forcing him to return to work immediately while Lena fights for her life in the hospital. Between lost income, transportation costs, and the daily realities of NICU life, we are in need of support.

We're reaching out for support so we can be present for Lena during this crucial time in her life - to hold her hand through the incubator walls, to be there for every weight gain, every breath, every step forward. Any donation, no matter how small, will help us stay by her side and relieve the financial burden weighing so heavily on our hearts.

Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for lifting us up in this fragile and very hopeful time.