Support Eleyna’s Recovery and Her Family

Hi, my name is Eleyna Leal.

I’ll be turning three this June, but right now, I’m spending my days in the hospital instead of playing with my toys or laughing with my big sister.

A couple of weeks ago, I started feeling really sick. I had a fever that wouldn’t go away, and my parents knew something wasn’t right. They took me to see my doctor, but I wasn’t admitted at first. Then, on Monday, April 28th, my oxygen levels dropped too low, and my parents rushed me to TMC Children's Hospital.

I was admitted to the PICU and put on oxygen support because my little lungs were filling with fluid. The doctors told my parents I had a rare and complex case of pneumonia, and they are still trying to find out what might be the cause

Since then, I’ve had two surgeries to help drain my lungs. Each time I went into the operating room, I saw how scared my mommy and daddy were. But I’m trying my best to be strong and get better.

I’m still in the hospital, and my parents have been with me every step of the way. They’ve barely left my side, sleeping in chairs, holding my hand, and doing everything they can to comfort me. Because they’ve been here with me, they haven’t been able to work—and now our family is struggling to keep up with bills and basic needs.

I miss my home. I miss my four-year-old sister. I just want to be healthy and back with my family.

If you can help us during this hard time, it would mean the world to me and my parents. Every little bit helps—and even just sharing our story can make a big difference.

Thank you for reading and caring about me.

With love,

Eleyna Leal

(and my parents, Paulah & Javier)