Family and friends,

I never imagined I would be writing this, but my family needs help. My daughter and her husband welcomed their second son far too early—born at just under 26 weeks. Since then, our lives have been turned upside down.

Our sweet baby boy is currently at Riley’s Children’s Hospital, one of the best pediatric hospitals in the country. He is fighting a rare and life-threatening heart condition: one of his main arteries is wrapped around his esophagus, along with another rare heart complication that will require two major surgeries once he is strong enough.

Until then, his parents must remain close by his side, undergoing genetic testing and preparing for the surgeries ahead. Their oldest son, just 8 years old, has also been affected—missing school days as the family balances time between the hospital and home.

On top of this, my daughter and her husband recently moved into a new home and purchased a family car. With the medical crisis, hospital stays, and missed work, they are now on the verge of losing everything. My son-in-law is close to losing his job, and the bills are piling up. As a mother and grandmother, I am doing all I can—but this has become more than we can carry alone.

We are humbly asking for support during this unimaginable time. Every dollar raised will go directly toward:

• Keeping their home so they have a safe place for their children

• Covering bills and living expenses while they are at the hospital

• Travel and food costs as they remain at Riley’s (they are staying now at the Ronald McDonald house — but the hospital is two hours away from their home).

• Supporting Baby Mateo’s ongoing medical needs and recovery

No amount is too small. If you cannot give, please keep our family in your prayers and share this campaign so others may join us in lifting this family up.

We are believing in God’s healing power and trusting that Baby Mateo will grow stronger each day until he can undergo the surgeries he needs. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any help you can give.

With love and gratitude,

Lana (Grandmother)

PS — Please feel free to email me with any questions, concerns, etc.:

[email redacted] 

or call (216) [phone redacted]