Last year, Ms. Martinez experienced the devastating loss of her baby boy due to miscarriage. As she began to heal, she found hope again in a new pregnancy. But that hope has been met with another unimaginable diagnosis—her baby girl, Valentina Nicole Garcia, has been diagnosed with a rare and severe congenital brain disorder called alobar holoprosencephaly (HPE).

HPE affects about one in 10,000 live births, and most infants do not survive beyond the first week, statistics show. Valentina has the most severe form of the disease.

❤️

Despite this, Ms. Martinez has made the incredibly loving and selfless decision to carry Valentina full term, so she can meet her, hold her, and spend whatever precious time she is given. It is a decision rooted in love—a love that reflects the same care she shows her students every single day. Through all of this, she continues to show up for her classroom.

She continues to care for her students. She continues to give, even while carrying so much grief. We are starting this fundraiser to help ease the burden she is carrying—so she can focus on her health, her healing, and the time she will have with Valentina.

Funds raised will go toward medical care, bills, support, and any other expenses or lost income during this difficult time. Most of all, this is a way to give back to someone who has given so much of herself to others.

This is for you Ms. Martinez and Baby Valentina!