I am reaching out with a heavy heart and a hopeful spirit to ask for your support for my goddaughter, Anna Somers—the beloved daughter of my best friends, Millie and Joseph.

Anna, lovingly known as “Anna Banana,” is a bright, beautiful 5-year-old.

But she has been diagnosed with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD), a rare, progressive, and devastating genetic disease that is changing her world far too soon.

MLD attacks the brain and nervous system, gradually taking away a child’s ability to walk, speak, eat, and eventually breathe independently. And we are already seeing that loss. Watching these pieces of her slowly slip away is truly heartbreaking.

This disease does not wait—and neither can we.

Every day matters. Every moment matters.

As if this heartbreak wasn’t enough, the family has recently received even more devastating news—Joey has also been diagnosed with MLD.

But there is a window of hope: Joey is eligible to receive treatment. This gives us something to hold onto, something to fight for with everything we have. But with that hope comes urgency, complex medical needs, and overwhelming financial strain.

This family is now facing the unimaginable—caring for Anna through her journey while racing against time to get Joey the treatment he needs as quickly as possible. They are doing everything they can, but they cannot do this alone.

Despite everything, Anna continues to shine with incredible strength. Her presence, her spirit, and her light still touch everyone around her. And Joey deserves every chance at a healthier future.

The emotional toll is indescribable, and the financial burden is more than any family should have to carry alone. Every dollar raised through this GoFundMe will go directly toward Anna and Joey’s care and supporting their family through this incredibly difficult journey.

Donations will help cover the immense medical costs associated with MLD, including hospital stays, specialist visits, therapies, medications, and essential equipment not fully covered by insurance. Funds will also support urgent travel and lodging, as accessing MLD specialists often requires long-distance care.

Your generosity will help provide comfort and the best possible quality of life for Anna through physical, occupational, speech, and palliative therapies. It will also help give Joey the chance he deserves by supporting his treatment journey. Donations will also go toward adaptive equipment, home modifications, and in-home nursing care so both children can be safe, comfortable, and surrounded by love.

MLD affects every aspect of daily life. Your support will also help ease the burden of everyday and unexpected expenses when work is missed, routines are disrupted, and every moment is focused on caring for Anna and Joey.

By giving, you are helping preserve moments of joy—moments where Anna can still feel love, comfort, and connection. You are also helping give Joey a fighting chance at a healthier future.

Most importantly, you are lifting an unimaginable weight from this family and allowing them to focus on what matters most: loving their children with their whole hearts, every single day.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your generosity, your prayers, and your support. Please continue to share this page so we can reach as many people as possible.

❤️ Anna & Joey's Aunties❤️