My daughter, Rosa, age five, had been hospitalized following septic shock and subsequent surgery for a tear in her colon. She had to have a large portion of her colon removed and was hospitalized for 2 1/2 months. Prior to that, she had major heart surgery for congenital heart disease that she has had since birth. She was hospitalized for a bit over a month due to that surgery as well. That was the 3rd of many surgeries she will need, not counting the emergency surgery she needed for her colon tear.

Currently, she is still recovering from the septic shock and colostomy. She is having to take over 15 medications daily and is in constant need of medical attention for other issues caused due to the septicemia she suffered. She will be undergoing another surgery to reverse the colostomy on the 29th of January and will soon be having her 4th heart surgery later this year.

I love my daughter and am with her as much as possible, but this has led to financial strain for my household. Taking the time necessary off work to care for her and be with her while she is in the hospital means I can't work. Being a single father means I can only rely on myself for all sources of income. I would normally not ask for help, but several friends have told me there comes a time when it is needed. I do realize now that it is much needed and would greatly appreciate any support I can receive during this trying time.