My name is Riad, and I am the father of two incredible little boys — Sami (8 years old) and Tarek (6 years old).

I am fighting to remain part of their everyday lives at a time when they need their dad most.

Because of a serious medical emergency overseas, I lost my opportunity to be present and heard in court — and now I am appealing so I don’t lose my sons due to circumstances beyond my control.

Why I’m Asking for Help?

I am raising funds to continue an ongoing custody appeal in Fairfax County, Virginia, so I can remain an active, consistent presence in my sons’ lives.

During the original court proceedings, I became seriously ill while overseas. Despite my best efforts, I was physically unable to return in time and was unable to be present in court on the day that would determine my future relationship with my children.

That moment changed everything.

I have since filed an appeal, which is currently ongoing. However, continuing the case requires a large appeal bond and legal costs that I cannot manage alone.

Why This Matters — For My Sons?

This appeal is not about conflict.

It is about presence.

It is about:

My boys deserve a dad who is consistently involved, not someone reduced to a statistic in the growing number of fatherless children after divorce.

This appeal represents their best chance to grow up with their father as part of their daily world — not someone they only see occasionally.

How the Funds Will Be Used:

Legal appeals are expensive, and in this case, a large bond is required just to continue. Without meeting this requirement, the appeal — and my chance to regain shared custody — will end.

Funds raised will be used for:

Appeal bond requirement: $40,000

Legal representation & court filings: $10,000

Ongoing appeal-related costs: $5,000

Total campaign goal: $55,000

Every dollar raised goes directly toward preserving my appeal and my sons’ chance to have their father present in their daily lives.

If the appeal bond is not met, the appeal ends — not because the case lacks merit, but because the cost of access to justice becomes insurmountable.

From One Parent to Another — or One Human to Another:

Asking for help is humbling. But staying silent would mean walking away from my sons — and that is not something I can do.

If you are able to donate, share, or leave a message of support, you are helping two young boys keep their father in their lives — not as a distant figure, but as a steady, loving presence.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading, caring, and standing with us.