Support Ausha and Neoma's Next Chapter

Neoma Aylward-Sanchez was born at home on March 12, 2022. Her birth and early life have been a testament to the love and power of her mother, Ausha Sanchez, and the strength of community care. While Neoma’s birth has been a miracle and blessing to Ausha and our community, it also comes at a time of great tragedy and loss.

 

Neoma’s father, Jonathan Taylor Aylward, died suddenly just two weeks before she was born. Jonathan was treasured by many, and he was known for his deeply impactful work, including building edible trails, tending community gardens, supporting Indigenous sovereignty, and so much more. Jonathan’s bright spirit has touched many souls, and his recent passing came as a great shock and tragedy to all of us.

 

While Jonathan and Ausha were not a couple, they had decided to raise Neoma as co-parents and planned for a future together with their daughter. Jonathan agreed to provide Ausha with child support so she could be a full-time Mama to Neoma during her early life.

 

As Neoma, Ausha and Jonathan’s friends, we are asking for the support of our loving community.

 

There are large and urgent expenses at hand- both the expected utility bills and rent, costs connected to the birth, and costs that have been creating financial pressure for some time, including the need to secure permanent housing in the near future. Eventually, Ausha will need to afford childcare, but for now, it's essential to all of us that she be able to focus on mothering full-time. It is important to note that Ausha is genuinely doing this on her own, without a co-parent and with no connection to generational wealth. Ausha chose not to have a baby shower due to covid-19 and other circumstances.

 

We are coming together now not only to be able to meet Ausha and Neoma’s immediate needs but also to provide a safety net, so Ausha can spend Neoma’s early life giving her all the love and support that a mother can give. This beautiful family has not asked, but we—their community of care—are showing up for them here and now, in their time of need. Thank you.