We are asking our community to show up for Julia and Layel during an unimaginable loss. Please consider donating what you can to help them rest, grieve, and heal after the passing of their beloved baby, Sewa Barrios Camargo Velásquez.

Julia and Layel spent years trying to conceive, navigating the many barriers that queer families face in building a life together. After some years of hardship and extraordinary commitment, they became pregnant. With profound sadness, we share that their baby, Sewa Barrios Camargo Velásquez, passed away at seven months in the womb and has joined the ancestors.

Sewa was created with immense love, care, and intention. During their seven months of life, Sewa traveled with their parents from Brazil to Texas and along the California coast. They were celebrated in community, strengthened relationships, and opened Julia and Layel into the deep, transformative path of parenthood. Watching Julia and Layel grow into devoted parents has been an absolute honor.

Though Sewa’s time in this world was brief, their presence is vast. Sewa has changed us forever.

We are humbly asking for support so Julia and Layel can tend to their grief without the added weight of financial stress. Your contribution will help cover:

* Grief-centered mental health care

* Doula and postpartum support

* Medical expenses

* End-of-life arrangements and a memorial honoring Sewa

Please give what you can and share directly with trusted people in your circles. We kindly ask that this fundraiser not be broadly blasted on social media.

If you know Layel and Julia personally, feel free to send them a heartfelt message via email: [email redacted] [dot] com

With love and gratitude,

Family and friends of Julia, Layel, and Sewa Barrios Camargo Velásquez

UPDATE FROM JULIA AND LAYEL - JAN 26, 2026:

At this moment, we feel deeply loved and cared for. We’ve been slowly reading through your messages, emails, and notes, and we couldn’t feel more held. We are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love and care so many of you have shared with us.

Julia is making steady progress in her physical recovery and has been able to receive bodywork and begin accessing therapeutic services. Layel has also started seeking therapeutic support, and together they have joined support groups to help navigate this time. Baby Sewa has been cremated and will be returned to their parents next week, and as we prepare to honor Sewa’s short time with us, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone’s generosity.

Thank you again for supporting our family through this tragedy, we recognize how much is happening in the world, we don’t take for granted you pausing to sprinkle some care our way, it means more than we can express.