Dear Friends and Family,

I am reaching out to you today with a heavy heart and hopeful spirit. Our beloved daughter, Mariah, has been transferred and admitted to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) shortly after her birth on (4/8/24) as many parents can imagine this has been an incredibly challenging time for our family.

Mariah is showing her strength every day, but the road ahead is long and the medical expenses are mounting and bills are piling up. We are currently facing the series of treatments and care that are essential for her health and development.

Mariah has been diagnosed with several medical conditions that require ongoing care and attention. She was affected by maternal hypertensive disorder due to sudden severe preeclampsia during pregnancy.

Since she has faced a series of health challenges, including retinoblastoma (a rare cancer) of the right eye, which is currently being managed with chemotherapy.

Genetic testing has revealed mono-allelic mutation of the RB1 gene which has significant implications for her treatment and prognosis.

Additionally, she has experienced aspiration into the airway, to which her medical team is monitoring closely to prevent any further complications.

Her renal health is also concern, She has been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease at an unspecified stage, a Rare congenital renal abnormally, and renal dysplasia. She is also dealing with a cloaca complex, a rare congenital condition that affects her urinary and digestive systems.

She has already undergone one surgery and several more are expected by the time she’s 9 months old.

Despite the challenges, we are filled with hope and determination to provide the best care possible for our little fighter.

This is why we have started a GoFundMe campaign “Mariah’s Battle is our Battle.” We are reaching out to our community for support to help cover medical cost. They have Ky based insurance and it lapsed once Mariah was in Cincinnati, however her mother was able to have the insurance backdate up until about the first two weeks Mariah was in Cincinnati, due to this they have to bare the debts of care that was provided (X-rays, MRIs, and much more) during that time. If any donations are left over after medical cost are paid it will go directly to rent and utilities to ensure that Mariah receives the necessary treatments without delay and that she still has a safe home to come to once finally released to continue providing her the special care that she will require.

Her mother is on unpaid family medical leave, and is focused on giving Mariah a supportive, nurturing environment and the love she needs to fight through this.

Even once Mariah is released from the hospital her mother will be unable to return to work, due to the doctors stating Mariah will require constant monitoring and special care at home including a feeding tube on a pump that has to be monitored the whole feed, every 3 hours due to aspiration, colostomy bag and several other things. The doctors have trained her to do these things once she is hopefully released in between treatments. 

Mariah also has a big sister, Alilah. Who will be 3 in sept, 24. Any thoughts or ideas to help her better understand this situation will be very appreciated. 

Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference in our lives. Your support will not only help the financial burden, but also provide us the emotional strength, knowing we are not alone in this journey.

If you are unable to contribute financially, we completely understand. Your thoughts, prayers and words of encouragement are equally precious to us. Please consider sharing our campaign with others who might be willing to help.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to read our story and for any support you can provide. Together we can make a difference in Mariah’s life.

With gratitude and hope, Mariah’s immediate family.