Support a brave young family fighting for their baby’s life

On March 18th of this year, baby Santiago entered the world — and within moments, his fight for life began.

Before he was even born, doctors noticed something concerning on an ultrasound. From that moment on, his parents, Alfonso and Oceanna (a young couple only in their early twenties!), began living in limbo — shuffling between constant appointments, procedures, and the terrifying unknown.

Since the day he was born, Santiago has been in the hospital, and every day has been a battle — and a miracle.

He’s endured major surgeries already and needs round-the-clock care: feeding every 2–3 hours (by mouth, then by tube), medication schedules, dressing changes for his surgical site, and constant monitoring. This isn’t a short hospital stay. It’s an all-consuming medical journey — one that will last for years.

Alfonso and Ocea are doing everything in their power to be there for both of their children — Santiago in the hospital, and their daughter Arely, who will turn 2 in March, at home. Most weeks, one parent stays overnight in the hospital while the other goes home to care for Arely. Then they switch. It’s a daily 80-minute round trip, fueled by love, exhaustion, and a fierce will to keep going.

Emotionally, they are drained. Financially, they are stretched thin. Spiritually, they are leaning on hope.

Arely doesn’t fully understand why her baby brother can’t come home, but she misses him deeply — kissing his pictures, hugging the phone during FaceTime, and asking for him every day.

Santiago’s condition has no cure. He will need another heart surgery between the ages of 3 and 5, and he’ll require ongoing care and doctor’s appointments for the rest of his life. What the doctors can offer is a chance — through surgeries and relentless care — to give Santiago a life full of love, laughter, and moments that matter.

His parents have shown up for him every single day.

While caring for their toddler daughter at home.

While surviving on hospital food.

While taking turns sleeping at his bedside.

While missing paychecks and driving 80 minutes round trip — for months.

They’ve carried this burden with strength, grace, and zero complaints. But no one can carry something like this alone forever, nor should they have to.

Now it’s our turn to show up for them.

Your donation will help them cover:

· Travel & gas for hospital visits

· Time off work

· Meals, bills, and baby supplies

· Childcare for their daughter

· And a little breathing room so they can keep going

If you’re local, please consider helping in any or all of the following ways:

· Home-cooked meals

· Gas cards or gift cards

· Clothing or toys for Arely and Santiago

NO ONE should have to worry about gas money while sitting beside their baby's hospital bed.

NO ONE should have to choose between a paycheck and holding their child's hand after a major surgery.

They didn’t choose this road — but they are navigating it with stamina and strength I don’t think many of us possess. They are resilient, loving, and strong. And right now, they need and DESERVE support.

Let’s help carry what they’ve been holding alone for too long.

Let’s remind them they’re not in this by themselves.

Thank you for giving, sharing, and showing up.