UPDATE — September 30, 2026

First, I want to sincerely thank everyone who has donated, shared this fundraiser, checked on me, or supported my family.

For transparency, the first $2,000 raised went toward paying the first attorney I retained and hiring a private investigator to assist with the case. Those funds have already been used, but they helped me continue pursuing the proper legal process and trying to move the case forward. I would not have made it this far without that support.

I am now facing the next—and most urgent—financial hurdle.

After a recent consultation, I have an opportunity to retain an experienced Texas family-law attorney who may be able to help me continue the legal process of bringing my son home. The initial retainer is approximately $5,000, which means I now need to raise $5,000 in new funds.

I am being completely honest when I say I am desperate. I miss my son more than I can put into words. This has been going on for months, and I have exhausted myself emotionally and financially trying to follow every required legal step. I have gone into significant debt, contacted assistance programs, explored financing, and continued searching for every lawful option available to me.

Because this is an active interstate family-law matter involving a child, I have been advised to protect certain details, including legal strategy and timing. My inability to share every detail publicly is not an attempt to avoid transparency—it is about protecting my son and not jeopardizing the case.

I am asking for help raising the attorney’s retainer so I can take the next legal step. Every donation—whether it is $5, $10, $25, or more—brings me closer to being able to retain the legal help I desperately need. If you cannot donate, sharing this fundraiser privately with someone you trust would also mean so much to me.

I am asking anyone who sees this not to contact my son, his father, his school, or anyone else involved, and not to attempt to investigate the matter independently. That could unintentionally interfere with an active legal case.

I am also asking the law firm whether supporters can contribute directly toward my retainer and whether the firm can provide a redacted confirmation of the cost. If either option is approved, I will add that information here.

I never imagined having to ask my community for help like this—especially for a second time. But I need my baby home, and I cannot stop doing everything legally possible to make that happen.

Thank you for seeing me, believing me, and helping me continue this fight.

— Ciara