The Ribeiro family support fund

As many of you know, the past seven months have been incredibly difficult for our family—an unrelenting storm of heartache and hardship. On October 22nd, our precious Levi, after bravely battling through so much, took his final breath while in the care of PedsCare Hospice. Though our hearts ache with his absence, we take comfort in knowing he is at peace and beginning his next journey in Heaven.

Just a few months later, in early February, our sweet Samuel was diagnosed with epilepsy and a pineal cyst. He is now receiving support through PedsCare Palliative Care, beginning his own challenging medical journey on February 10th.

As if our hearts hadn’t already borne enough, I suffered a heart attack in late March and required a stent to restore my health. Still, we pressed on, leaning on faith and each other.

Then, on April 24th, the ground shifted beneath us once again. Vagner, my husband and the sole provider for our family, was detained and is now being held at Baker County, facing possible deportation. The uncertainty of what comes next is overwhelming. Without Vagner, we are left without an income and facing incredibly difficult decisions. If he is deported, we plan to keep our family together and move to Brazil—but the road ahead feels daunting and unclear.

Vagner has graciously taken in five children who are not biologically his, in addition to his three biologicals, and has never accepted any government assistance. He has never been in any legal trouble other than entering into the US illegally in 2004. Vagner and I have completed all necessary immigration documents that were approved and were waiting for the last document to be approved.

Through all of this, I am doing my best to cope and still be the mother that Samuel, Gabriel, Nathan (abandoned by his biological father, adopted by Vagner) and Landon deserve. Samuel and Gabriel, both of whom are on the Autism spectrum, Gabriel being non verbal … process the world in such different ways, and it’s often a challenge to meet their needs in the midst of all this. Every day is a balance of holding space for my own grief while trying to be the steady presence these boys deeply need. But even on the hardest days, I am determined to give them the love, care, and support they deserve.

It is not easy for me to ask for help. But we are reaching out now because we cannot do this alone. If you feel moved to support us in any way—through prayer, kindness, or financial help—we would be deeply grateful. Your love and compassion mean more than words can express.