My name is Renee and I’m organizing this fundraiser on behalf of my sister Amy and her family.

Just a few days after Christmas, Amy’s youngest son Poet was unexpectedly hospitalized and admitted to the PICU in Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Once stabilized, he was officially diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Recently he also received a celiac disease diagnosis (both are autoimmune diseases and having one makes a person more susceptible to others). These are lifelong conditions that require constant monitoring, medical supplies, strict dietary changes, and ongoing care. To provide that care to a toddler is a full time job in itself.

Since his hospitalization, Amy and Poet’s dad have been doing everything possible to keep their son safe, healthy, and stable. That has meant time away from work, missed income, and the emotional and physical toll of being caregivers to a medically complex child while learning how to manage the diagnoses. Between hospital bills, medical supplies, rent, and the significantly higher cost of food required to safely meet his dietary needs, the financial strain has grown quickly. Ongoing appointments with medical specialists, combined with the fact that only Amy and Poet’s dad are currently trained to manage his care, will continue to require time away from work and result in lost income.

This all came at a time when our family was already grieving deeply, as we lost our mother in October. To have such a major medical crisis occur while still navigating that loss has been overwhelming in ways that are hard to put into words.

Amy is a devoted, loving mother who puts her children first in every way. She didn’t ask for this help but as her sister I see how heavy this burden has become. I wanted to do something to help lift even a small part of it.

Funds raised will go directly toward:

• Rent and basic living expenses

• Medical bills and ongoing diabetes-related supplies

• Food that meets Poet’s strict medical dietary requirements

Any amount helps — whether it’s a donation, a share, or simply keeping our family in your thoughts. We are incredibly grateful for the kindness, compassion, and support shown during one of the hardest seasons our family has faced.

Thank you for taking the time to read and for supporting Amy, Poet, and our family.