Hi,  I’m a single mother to my 5 yr old daughter with Down Syndrome. I was told that I couldn't have children, but God chose to give her to me at 43 years old. It was unexpected, but I’m so incredibly blessed to have her! Saige is my core, the center of my being. She is the most outstanding part of my life that changed my direction for the better. Saige’s smile brightens my every day. Her extraordinary fight for life makes me feel like I’m the luckiest mother. 

Saige was scheduled for a cardiac cauterization to repair her atrial Septum Defect on 8/22/26,  but was unsuccessful and had to undergo open heart surgery. Her recovery is going to be much more than anticipated. I have been granted 12 weeks of FMLA from my job at Omni Hotels but it is unpaid due to me recently going from PT to FT in June 2025. 

I am the sole provider for Saige. She had been receiving Social Security since 2022, but benefits were stopped in April 2025 due to my increase of hours/pay,  and she lost her health insurance as well in Aug 2025.. 

I have so much to be thankful for and going to do whatever I need to do to provide for me and my daughter but being out of work for 12 weeks has put a financial burden paying for my rent, utilities, car, and day to day expenses. My focus right now is on her recovery so that she can start school in a few months and me back to work. Any assistance to get Saige and I through this difficult time would be greatly appreciated. Thank you