Iris LaValle is a bright and resilient five-month-old who has already shown her family and friends what it means to be a true fighter. Born with a rare mitochondrial disease that doesn’t even have a name, Iris has spent much of her young life in and out of Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, facing complex medical challenges and undergoing life-sustaining care. Through it all, her parents, Casey and Amanda, have been unwavering advocates for her, balancing the demands of hospital life with caring for their other two children, Owen (7) and Eliana (2).

Amanda, a speech and language therapist, has drawn on her professional experience to help navigate Iris’s complex needs, all while managing the demands of a new job and caring for her family. Casey, a devoted baseball coach and new business owner, is doing his best to juggle work, home, and the constant trips to the hospital. The family’s days are filled with travel expenses, meals on the go, and mounting medical bills, all while relying on Medicaid and managing Iris’s complex care needs, including multiple medications and feeding supplies.

Despite these hardships, the LaValle family’s love and hope shine through. Iris, with her third-child sass and fighting spirit, carries her middle name, Hope, as a reminder to all who know her of the strength it takes to face each day, even when the future is uncertain. Her siblings, Owen and Eliana, bring moments of joy and normalcy, rallying around their baby sister. The LaValles are known for their strength and kindness, and now they need the support of their community more than ever. By lifting them up in prayer and with resources, we can help them focus on what matters most: Iris’s care and comfort. Your support will make a real difference for this amazing family as they navigate the road ahead.