My name is Kristinia, and I’m a single mom raising my amazing 12-year-old son, Drake. Drake has spastic diplegic Cerebral Palsy, and he’s about to undergo an intensive leg surgery in Chicago to help him walk better and relieve the contractures that have made it harder for him to get around. Planning for this surgery has been overwhelming—not just because of the medical side, but also because I’ll need to take almost two months off work to care for Drake during his recovery. As a waitress at El Cantarito, I work five to six days a week to cover all our bills, and saving for such a long time off just isn’t possible for us right now.

Drake is full of life and loves anything with a motor—dirt bikes, four wheelers, lawn mowers, and go-carts are his favorites. He’s always eager to be outside, riding or playing with friends, and he knows everything about bikes. We love going to indoor amusement parks, Indiana Beach, and the zoo together. Drake is nonverbal, but he communicates with his own signs and a few words, always finding a way to connect with those around him. As he’s grown, his legs have become tighter, making it harder for him to walk and for me to carry him everywhere like I used to. This surgery is our hope for giving Drake more independence and the chance to keep doing the things he loves.

During Drake’s recovery, I’ll be balancing time between the hospital in Chicago and our home, making sure he has everything he needs. The funds raised will help us cover rent, utilities, car payments, insurance, phone and wifi bills, groceries, gas for travel, and possibly a hotel if we can’t stay at the hospital. We don’t receive any government assistance, so every bit of support means the world to us. I’ve always tried to spread love and help others, and now I’m opening my heart and asking for help from our community. Your support will help ease our stress and allow me to focus on Drake’s recovery, knowing our basic needs are met. Thank you for being there for us and for helping Drake get back to the adventures he loves.