My five-year-old daughter Autumn is facing a major surgery for hydrocephalus and a prematurely fused skull. Her brain is being compressed, and she needs a craniotomy at Sutter to relieve the pressure. As her mom, I’m doing everything I can to be by her side during this difficult time, but it’s overwhelming. I’m also caring for my father, who is on hospice at home, and the stress of balancing both their needs is immense.

Missing work to stay with Autumn in the hospital means I’m running out of money for basic needs like gas and food. I’m constantly traveling between the hospital and my dad’s house, trying to make sure both of them have the care and support they need. The uncertainty of how long Autumn’s hospital stay will be, especially after complications from last year’s surgery, adds to the anxiety.

Autumn is a vibrant, outgoing spirit who lights up every room with her random dancing and singing about cowboys and horses. She dreams of being a paramedic one day. Right now, I just want to make sure I can be there for her and my dad without worrying about how I’ll afford the essentials. Any support will help us get through this incredibly tough time and allow me to focus on caring for my family.