Hi, my name is Connie Barreras and I am fundraising for my daughter, Jenna Cooper. My daughter and her family are struggling financially and need help.

They have a baby, Ozzie, with severe eczema and GI digestive issues, plus an active toddler, Julian. My daughter has multiple back issues including scoliosis (curvature of the spine) that is fast approaching an advanced stage necessitating surgery. She is unable to constantly care for and pick up Ozzie due to her pain level (she has called me sobbing and it breaks my heart.)

My son-in-law, Ben, is in school, working part-time and filling in the gaps for baby and toddler care due to Jenna's injury (including night duty - which while I was there helping, it was 3-5 times a night and most nights he ends up sleeping with Ozzie in his bed) - this is not sustainable for them as the care for a baby with medical issues is costly and constantly hands-on. Ozzie scratches and at times, tears the skin open, then it weeps and bleeds and becomes infected (photos reflect when the baby went to ER a few months ago and a break out earlier this week). My son-in-law is struggling to continue to manage everything with his lack of time to work and study due to Ozzie needing help 24/7. And because of the extra physical demands with the baby, his back and hips are rapidly deteriorating as well.

They have to purchase a lot of supplements because of the gut/digestive and eczema issues along with special diapers, pure organic clothing, special eczema sleeves, bedding (no synthetic materials), organic food (reactions to introducing food has been difficult, so his diet is limited) and cleaning supplies that are non-chemical/harsh to meet the needs of this special baby. They have medical bills pending from the hospital visit they had, bills for stool tests, doctor and chiro appts (for Ozzie, Jenna and Ben), urgent care/ER visits, and supplements. They can never catch up with all the extra expenses for his care.

This eczema and GI issues don't go away. They are continuously evolving. What worked one week, doesn't the next. Skin may look clear one day, but then flares up unexpectedly. A new food is given one day but then his stomach is irritated all night and he can't sleep. And sometimes what looks like a skin irritation is really him just struggling with gas by scratching. The cause is always somewhat of a mystery. Something he touched, something he ate, something in the air, maybe his clothes, or in the rug…it’s always a challenge to figure out why the outbreak and then to reset to control it. My daughter does her due diligence on research: always investigating and testing new products, methods, and best practices. AND, there’s the constant attention to redirecting his attention and his hands to stop scratching. He is learning, but scratching is his first instinct to cope.

They started a GoFundMe a few months ago and those raised funds have been used (very grateful!), but they are in a new distressed position again. Having financial resources to help would alleviate their stress levels and enable them to get the medical attention and supplies needed, not only for my grandson, but my daughter and son-in-law as well.

As a mother, I want to help and do as much as I can, but they live 10 hours away, and our help is limited, due to location and especially as both my husband and I are not working (we were both laid off – I am looking for a job, my husband is now retired)

I was able to stay with them a few weeks ago and witnessed how hard it is and how much attention is needed for this. They are vigilant but exhausted. I am concerned for their well-being.

Thank you for reading this. Appreciate your prayers and consideration to donate to their cause. Please support in love and share!