Meet Our Family

Hello, my name is Virginia. I am the proud mother of two wonderful children, Qasim (10) and Noah (7). They are my heart and my purpose in life. Like any parent, all I want is for them to have the chance to grow up safe, loved, and free to thrive.

Right now, that future depends on a legal fight I cannot afford on my own. I am raising funds to cover the costs of a custody case here in Florida — a case that will determine whether my children can remain in a stable, secure home or be pulled back into instability and uncertainty.

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Why This Matters

For years, my children and I lived overseas in Lebanon. While there, I endured a marriage marked by control and isolation. I was separated from family and support, forced to live under conditions that eroded my independence and undermined my ability to provide a stable home for the kids. After the marriage ended, sadly, the struggles only became worse.

Lebanon itself is a country facing overwhelming challenges — economic collapse, widespread instability, and even the devastating Beirut explosion that shook the lives of hundreds of thousands, my family included. Raising children in this environment was already difficult. But on top of that, the legal system there left me with no rights as a mother. In Lebanese custody law, fathers are given nearly absolute control, and mothers like me are often forced to sign away fair terms simply to maintain access to their children.

I agreed to terms under pressure that were unfair and unsustainable — because at that time, I had no other choice. Through poverty, harassment, and war, my focus was simple: I could not lose my children.

Last Fall, during the height of the war, with our city under heavy bombardment, we were able to evacuate with the help of the US embassy. Now, after returning to the United States, I finally have the chance to fight for custody in a court system where fairness, safety, and the best interests of children are recognized. But to do this, I must be represented properly, and the costs of that representation are far beyond my reach.

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The Financial Need

Legal representation is essential in a custody case of this magnitude and complexity. Attorneys in Florida typically require significant retainers, and there are additional expenses for filings, mediation, and expert evaluations.

Here is a transparent breakdown of my anticipated costs:

• Court filing fees & service of process: $1,200

• Mediation costs: $800

• Attorney retainer (initial): $6,500

• Additional legal hours (10–20 hours): $3,000–$5,000

• Miscellaneous case-related costs (records, transcripts, possible evaluations): $1,500

Total Goal: $12,000

Stretch Goal: $15,000 (to cover unexpected motions or evaluations)

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What’s at Stake

If my ex succeeds in his demands to have the children forcibly returned to Lebanon, he can cut me out of their lives entirely and indefinitely prevent their return to Florida.

This case is not about winning or losing between parents. It’s about ensuring my children are raised in an environment where they are safe, emotionally supported, and able to build their lives without fear. It's about ensuring that these beautiful boys are not cut off from their mom.

My children have already passed through so many trials in their few short years. They deserve stability. They deserve to attend school consistently, make friends, and feel secure in their home. They deserve to know that the parent who has cared for them since birth can continue to provide love and guidance and can do so without interference or intimidation.

Without legal protection, everything we have built here could be at risk. With it, we can finally begin to move forward without fear hanging over us.

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How You Can Help

There are three powerful ways you can make a difference:

Donate — Any amount, no matter how small, brings us closer to covering these essential costs. Every $10, $20, or $50 adds up quickly when combined with the generosity of others.

Share — Spreading this campaign is just as valuable as donating. Each share on social media or by word of mouth has the power to reach someone who might be willing and able to help.

Encourage — Words of support mean more than I can say. This process is overwhelming and emotional. Knowing that people stand with us helps me keep going, not just legally but emotionally.

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Gratitude

This is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do — to ask for help so publicly. But I am doing it because my children’s safety and future are worth everything.

If you choose to give, share, or send words of support, please know that you are not only helping me cover legal bills — you are helping two young children secure the stability, love, and security they need to thrive.

From the bottom of my heart: thank you. Thank you for reading our story, thank you for caring, and thank you for being part of this fight for fairness and protection. Together, we can ensure my children grow up safe, free, and deeply loved.

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And for those who have read this far and are asking why there is a discrepancy between the campaign goal and that stated above: it's a GoFundMe campaign setting. The platform auto adjusts the amount of the goal at the beginning of a campaign; it says this method improves engagement and I'm trusting their advice for now.