Our family and I have been hit with a series of unexpected challenges all at once. Just three weeks after welcoming our Ella Jane into our family, my husband experienced a serious medical episode, causing him to pass out and be taken to the emergency room, that left us facing mounting medical bills and uncertainty about his health. At the same time, our dog Lady began showing signs of illness, including weight loss, severe skin issues, as well as a mass on her hind leg that now leaves us facing the possibility of a cancer diagnosis, along with the costs of vet visits, steroid injections, medication, and a biopsy.

These events have placed a heavy financial and emotional burden on us, especially as I’m still on maternity leave and only receiving partial pay. The funds raised here will help cover the costs of exploratory scans for my husband to help find a diagnosis, as well as the treatments and biopsy our dog needs. The remainder will help us manage household expenses and care for our Ella and Ava during this difficult time.

We know that times are hard for everyone right now, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support system we have. It is extremely hard for us to ask for help and we typically wouldn’t under normal circumstances, so any support—no matter how small—would mean the world to us as we work through these things together.