Hi, my name is Calli and I’m looking to help my friend, Reeva, raise money for her family. She’s an incredible friend and mother and has done everything she could to avoid this but unfortunately no longer has any choice but to reach out. Here is her story: “I’m reaching out for support for my precious son, Bruce (age 2), who is bravely battling Nephrotic Syndrome with Minimal Change Disease alongside Celiac Disease. These conditions mean Bruce’s kidneys struggle to filter protein properly, and he must follow a very strict gluten-free, sodium-free diet. Together, they cause frequent relapses, ongoing treatments, and countless hospital visits.

“Bruce was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome on September 7th, 2025, after struggling with Celiac Disease and no improvement since he was 4 months old. Through all of this, his big sister Piper (age 4) has been an incredible source of love, comfort, and stability.

“In addition to Bruce’s medical needs, I am his sole parent, and over the past year I’ve had to undergo two high-risk surgeries while still caring for him full-time. A third surgery is approaching, each requiring 4–6 weeks of recovery for me alone. Balancing serious medical needs—his and mine—while keeping our home stable has been overwhelming, but I am doing everything I can to keep us moving forward.

“During this same time, my previous employer went through layoffs. I immediately found new work as a paraeducator, but because of the district’s payroll schedule, I won’t receive my first paycheck until February. I have also returned to college as a recent adult high school graduate to build a stable future for us, but my financial aid won’t be accessible until January.

“Meanwhile, Washington State’s FMLA office is requiring an amendment on my doctor’s certification. This has frozen essential payments that we have been depending on, leaving us without a critical safety net during a time when we need it most.

“Our family has also spent the past year recovering from domestic violence and abandonment. My husband left in October of last year and has had no contact since, leaving me to navigate every medical crisis, financial hardship, and daily responsibility alone.

Despite everything he faces, Bruce is pure sweetness. He loves Spiderman, PAW Patrol, Bluey, avocados, grapes, rice, cuddles, books, and following Piper everywhere she goes. Months of steroids have made emotions and behavior harder for him, but he tries so hard, and he has so much love to give.

“Right now, we are struggling to stay afloat. Bills that should have been covered while FMLA processed are now overdue—electricity, phone service, car insurance, and internet. Our family car desperately needs $1,500 in repairs, studded winter tires, and a new windshield. I need help covering rent, basic household essentials, fuel to get to work, and gluten-free, sodium-free food for Bruce and Piper. At the moment, I have no available funds, leaving nothing for Christmas presents or even the basic necessities that keep our home functioning while we fight through this difficult season.

“Anything shared—whether donating, sharing our story, or offering support—means more than you could ever know. Thank you for helping us stay stable while we work toward safer, healthier days ahead.”