Support Cid Baillio's Stroke Recovery Journey

Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out on behalf of a dear friend whose world turned upside down this past weekend.

Many of you know Celeste Baillio. Her son Cid, a healthy 16-year-old boy with a love for water polo, swimming, and engineering, suddenly collapsed at home and couldn’t get up. His younger brother, just 13 years old, acted with incredible courage—calling 911 after seeking advice from ChatGPT when he couldn’t reach his parents, who were at a movie. Thanks to his bravery, Cid was rushed to the ER and then life-flighted to Primary Children’s Hospital with stroke symptoms.

An MRI confirmed the unthinkable: Cid had suffered a massive stroke on the right side of his brain. Though he regained movement on his left side and could answer simple questions, swelling in his brain caused severe headaches and declining vitals. Doctors performed a hemi-craniotomy—removing half of his skull to relieve the pressure. That bone is now being stored and will be replaced in about a month. Until then, he’ll wear a helmet to protect his brain.

Cid now faces a long road of recovery and rehabilitation in the hospital. The full extent of the damage is still unknown, but there are hopeful signs. He’s fighting hard, and his strength is nothing short of a miracle.

Cid is the kind of kid who lights up a room with his goofiness, energy, and big heart. He’s the captain of the swim team for next year, excels in honors math and AP Physics, and dreams of becoming an engineer. His family is incredibly strong and grateful for the outpouring of love they’ve received—meals, prayers, support—but they are understandably overwhelmed.

Medical expenses, time away from work, and the long recovery ahead are more than any family should have to carry alone. That’s why I’m asking you to help in any way you can—whether that’s a donation, a prayer, or simply sharing this page.

Let’s rally around Celeste, Cid, and his amazing family. They’ve given so much to their community—now it’s our turn to give back.