Help Baby Koa and His Family Through the Fight of Their Lives

Our family is asking for your prayers and support for my sweet nephew, Koa.

Koa was born prematurely at 31 weeks after my sister underwent an emergency C-section. Before he was born, doctors discovered he had a rare condition called hydrops, and since the day he entered this world, he has been fighting for his life.

Shortly after his birth at Tucson Medical Center. Koa was flown by helicopter to Phoenix Children's Hospital, where he has remained for the past month receiving specialized care. Every day has brought new challenges, difficult decisions, and countless prayers.

My sister has been living in Phoenix so she can stay by Koa's bedside, spending her nights at the Ronald McDonald House while never wanting to leave her little boy. Meanwhile, her husband has been traveling back and forth from Tucson, balancing work and being there for his family. As Koa's condition has become more critical, he has had to miss work so he can be with his wife and son during this incredibly difficult time. After weeks of searching for answers, doctors recently found that Koa has a blockage in his main lymphatic vessel (thoracic duct). Because of that blockage, lymph fluid can’t drain the way it’s supposed to and is leaking into his body, causing severe swelling. They have also found blood clots, and despite countless tests, procedures, medications, and surgeries, we still don’t know exactly what caused all of this.

Every day has been filled with uncertainty. We’ve spent weeks traveling back and forth to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, praying for miracles while staying by Koa’s side as much as possible.

While we’re focused on our son’s fight, life hasn’t stopped. My husband has had to miss a lot of work to be with our family, but his job doesn’t offer paid time off, so every day he misses means lost income. I won’t be returning to work until the end of October, leaving us with very little income during this difficult time.

On top of that, our vehicle is no longer reliable. We desperately need repairs so we can continue making the trips to and from the hospital. Between gas, bills, meals away from home, and everyday expenses, the financial burden has become overwhelming.

The last thing any parent should have to worry about while fighting for their child's life is how they will pay their bills, travel expenses, meals, or everyday living costs. We want to ease that burden so they can focus on what matters most—being with Koa.

If you are able to donate, no matter the amount, our family would be deeply grateful. If you aren't able to give financially, we ask that you please keep Koa, his parents, his medical team, and our entire family in your prayers.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and for standing beside our family during the hardest season of our lives. Every donation, share, and prayer means more than words can express.