Stand with Emily and Special Needs Baby Josiah in Crisis

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers,

I am reaching out to you to support a remarkable woman, Emily R a dedicated mother of three. Among her children is Josiah, a 6-year-old boy with special needs who has Down syndrome and relies on a ventilator and trach machine to breathe due to heart defects he was born with. Emily also has two daughters, Kalea (11) and Julia (9), who bring light and joy to her life.

Emily has been married for 20 years, but she is now facing an incredibly difficult and dangerous situation. Recently, she was served with divorce papers by her estranged husband, a man whose actions have shown a complete disregard for her safety and well-being. His troubling behavior has escalated to threats against both Emily and Josiah, leading to a protection order for her safety.

I know Emily personally; she was my colleague and transformed our workplace as an IT specialist. During her marriage, she confided in me about her husband's irresponsible behavior, which included prolonged absences from home due to his job as a firefighter in Texas. The emotional toll was evident in the distressing messages she shared. Now, she has turned to me again for support as she navigates the fallout from her divorce.

Emily has faced tremendous hardships throughout her life. Her mother struggled with homelessness, and her brother, who became a quadriplegic after a tragic accident, was her only source of support until he passed away. With the recent loss of her beloved "Memaw," Emily finds herself truly alone.

Living in Arizona, Emily used the inheritance from her brother to make their home accessible for Josiah, creating a space that accommodates his needs. Despite her unwavering commitment to caring for her children, the financial burden of legal fees, therapy, and daily living expenses has become overwhelming. As Josiah's full-time caregiver, she is unable to work outside the home.

We are raising $20,000 to help Emily during this challenging transition. Your generous contributions will support:

- Legal fees for the divorce and custody proceedings

- Counseling and medical therapy and nursing for Josiah to help him navigate this difficult time

- Essential living expenses as Emily strives to build a new, safe life for her family

Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. If you're unable to contribute financially, please consider sharing this campaign with your network.

Together, we can help Emily reclaim her peace of mind and provide a safe haven for her children. Thank you for your kindness, support, and compassion.

With gratitude,

Andrea