This is our granddaughter, Elizabeth.

She is 3 years old, and she is everything a little girl should be, full of life, personality, and joy. Elizabeth is a “girly girl”. Her favorite colors are pink and purple. She is obsessed with shoes, frilly dresses, and accessories (especially sunglasses). She loves playing with her cousins, helping her mom cook, trips to the playground, and playing in her tent. Her love of the water is unmatched. Anyone who has ever tried to convince her to get out of the pool can attest to this.

Elizabeth adores animals, especially her dogs, Kevin and Koda, her cat, Luna, her grandma’s dog, Dobby, and most of all, her hamster, Pete. She will not leave the house without her favorite pink bunny.

Last week, Elizabeth’s world and that of her family was forever altered.

Her parents noticed that her left eye had suddenly turned inward and would not correct itself. After meeting with a local optometrist, the decision was made to take her to a specialized eye emergency room in Miami. After a very long drive and hours in the ER, she was transferred to a children’s hospital and admitted.

On Sunday, following an MRI under sedation, her parents were given devastating news: Elizabeth has a large mass in her brain. Because of where it is located, it cannot be surgically removed.

Since then, her symptoms have progressed; fortunately, her energy and personality remain as vibrant as ever. Elizabeth was discharged from the hospital yesterday; however, her family is now facing weeks of waiting, more testing, and difficult decisions ahead, including another trip to Miami in a few days for a lumbar puncture.

Elizabeth’s parents, Mark and Gina, are both Navy veterans who have already faced more than their share of challenges. Mark is a 100% disabled veteran, and together they are raising Elizabeth and their 2-month-old son, Noah. Like any parents, their focus has always been on giving their children a safe, loving, and stable life. Now, they are navigating constant travel, medical appointments, and the emotional and financial strain that comes with Elizabeth’s diagnosis.

Elizabeth’s care requires frequent trips to Miami, two hours each way, along with ongoing testing, treatment, and unexpected expenses. All funds raised will go directly to Mark and Gina to help cover medical costs, travel, lodging, and daily living expenses so they can focus on being there for Elizabeth and Noah.

We humbly ask for your help.

If you are able to donate, share this page, or keep Elizabeth in your thoughts and prayers, we are deeply grateful. Every bit of support helps give this family the ability to focus on what matters most, their daughter.

Thank you for taking the time to read Elizabeth’s story and for standing with our family.