This is not where we thought we’d be when our daughter turned 13.

Instead of school, friends, and a normal life—she’s preparing for another major surgery just to keep fighting.

Hi, we’re Mike and Heather—Sophia’s parents.

Our daughter Sophia is 13 years old, and she has been fighting battles most adults could never imagine.

Not long ago, Sophia was a completely healthy, active little girl. Then everything changed.

What started after an illness quickly spiraled into a complex and devastating medical journey. Today, Sophia is living with multiple rare and severe conditions, including **Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome, **Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome, dysautonomia, gastroparesis, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

She has already endured major surgery once before for MALS—and it was incredibly hard on her body. Despite everything she has been through, she keeps pushing forward with a strength that humbles everyone around her.

Now, we are facing the next critical step.

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The Next Surgery – May 11

Sophia has confirmed SMAS, along with related vascular compression issues. This condition is making it extremely difficult—and often painful—for her body to tolerate food.

Right now:

* She is dependent on tube feeds to survive

* She has a port and a GJ feeding tube

* She has not been able to attend school

* She spends most of her days managing pain, nausea, and exhaustion

There is only one pediatric surgeon in the country who specializes in the procedure Sophia needs.

That means we are traveling to Texas Children’s Hospital for surgery scheduled on May 11.

This procedure offers hope—not a cure—but a real chance at improving her quality of life.

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What We’re Facing

This is not a simple trip.

* Sophia is expected to be in the ICU for 1–2 weeks

* Followed by an extended inpatient stay

* We will be away from home and work for an unknown amount of time

* Both of us will be by her side every step of the way

We own our own businesses, which gives us flexibility—but it also means no paid time off and no safety net.

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Why We Need Help

We are asking for help with:

* Travel to Texas

* Extended lodging near the hospital

* Food and daily expenses during her hospitalization

* Lost income while we are unable to work

Because Sophia’s conditions are so rare, there are very few programs that provide financial support for families like ours.

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Who Sophia Is

Sophia is not defined by her diagnoses.

She is:

* Fierce

* Funny

* Strong beyond words

* A fighter in every sense of the word

She pushes through pain that would stop most people—and still finds moments to smile, joke, and be a kid.

She is our warrior.

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How You Can Help

If you’re able to donate, share, or simply keep Sophia in your thoughts—we are deeply grateful.

Every bit helps us stay focused on what matters most:

getting Sophia through this surgery and giving her the best chance at a better life.

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From the bottom of our hearts,

thank you for standing with Sophia.

Mike and Heather

Sophia’s parents