Hello friends. I find myself in a situation where I feel helpless. I will share what has happened that has led me to do something I never imagined I would need to do...ask for understanding, compassion and financial help from others.

I am an American citizen living in the Philippines. I moved here three years ago to be with my wife who is a Filipina.

Since the day I met them, my wife's family has been nothing short of spectacular. They have supported my wife and I in every way imaginable.

Now, two of our biggest supporters need some help.

My step-daughter Sara and her husband Ben, who are newlyweds, lost their little one named Athena after only one week. Athena decided it was time to make an entrance to the world very early. She was born a micropreemie and weighed 800 grams (approx 1.7 lbs) at birth. She had such a will to live and fought extremely hard for several days but unfortunately her tiny heart wasn't able to beat any longer. God decided that it was time to end the struggle.

Ben and Sara spent their entire savings, have leveraged all credit cards and borrowed from everyone that they know and the bills are still amassing. Just one example is the cost of the NICU was 86,000 Philippine Pesos/day.

I am asking for your understanding and praying that you may be able to donate a small amount in order to help ease their minds as they grieve the loss of their first child. They are two of the best people I have ever met in my life and even though your generosity will not take away the pain they feel, it will hopefully ease the burden of paying for many years on the debt that has been incurred.

Thank you for reading my message.