Support Families at Children's Hosp of Pittsburgh

Hi. I am Sara's mommy. My daughter was born in 2007 and diagnosed at 2 months of age with a debilitating seizure disorder. Sara was never able to talk or walk. She fought for 13 years before I lost her due to chronic illnesses that plagued her. Sara never gave up. Even in tough moments, her bright spirit shined through.

Sara would have been 18 years old today, March 24th. This July will also mark 5 years without her. These 2 markers are hitting my mama heart extra hard.

Every year since her passing, I have made it my little mini-mission to try to bring a little of Sara's light to families at Children's Hospital, struggling as I once did, either with a new and devastating seizure diagnosis, or yet another long and never-ending hospital stay. This year is no different, and I hope to make it my best yet.

Having a disabled child brings so many challenges, and being stuck in the hospital can really start to take its toll. My goal is to lighten a little of the weight on the shoulders of a parent who never leaves the hospital, and who should be able to focus just on their child and their care.

Children's does not provide free parking until you have been there for 2 weeks, or 14 days. It is $5/day for a parent parking pass. A cafeteria voucher is $7 to be able to eat in the room with your child. That's $21 if you want to try to eat 3 meals a day. For just a 2 week stay, the cost to a parent is $364.00 for meals and parking. This is such a detrimental, and often unobtainable expense to a family, especially if they are a single parent with little to no income.

My gifts are broken down to help with a few days of parking, a few days of meals, a cherished treat at Starbucks, and help with gas and groceries. This year, if I am able to reach or surpass my goal, my aim is to also provide a little something special for the child also. Sara's favorite little buddy was Eeyore. I find it only fitting that a stuffed Eeyore accompanies my gifts to the family.

Last year I was able to help an amazing 16 families with gifts totaling roughly $125 each! If your heart leads you to do so, help me to make this my best year yet in memory of my sweet Sara's very special 18th birthday!

Any donation is so very much appreciated. I personally guarantee that absolutely 100 percent of the funds raised (except for what GoFundMe takes) goes directly to the families. I try to be as transparent through the process as I can be.

I personally hand deliver my gifts to Supportive Care at Children's, who were with me for nearly all of Sara's 13 years of life. Carol and her team personally hand them out as they see the need. I have confirmed with them that all of my gifts from last year have been handed out, so the need is there!

Thank you in advance from the bottom of my mama heart. Being able to do this continues to heal me, and I would not be able to do it without the generosity of others. It means the world.