Dear Friends, Family, and Compassionate Souls, We never thought we would have to reach out like this, but life has a way of throwing us into paths we never expect. Our beautiful daughter, Cataleya Mireille Betancur, was brought into this world on June 11th, 2024, carrying a rare and challenging burden - a genetic mutation causing surfactant deficiency. This condition has led to lung fibrosis and requires her to have six chest tubes, to help her breathe and cope with her condition. Since her birth, Cataleya has shown us what strength really means. We've seen her battle and persevere in the Pediatric ICU, and despite everything, she's showing signs of improvement. We have embarked on a path of experimental treatment, a combination of drugs that seem to be helping little by little. But the road ahead is long, and the costs are daunting. At this moment, our insurance is an uncertain ally. It isn't guaranteed to cover 100% of her treatment, and the bills have already started to pile up. The most expensive one is $177k, another at $60k, and they continue to grow every day. We're facing a towering mountain of medical expenses, and every day, the summit seems to get a bit higher. The emotional toll of this journey is almost as heavy as the financial one. Our hearts are divided between our son, who needs us, and the Pediatric ICU where Cataleya is fighting her battle. We're doing everything we can, but now we are at a point where we need help, we need you. We've set up this LFEBridge page with a humble initial goal in the hope that you'll join us in Cataleya's fight. Every single donation, regardless of the amount, will directly contribute to her medical expenses and bring us one step closer to the summit of this mountain. If you can't donate, your prayers, well wishes, or sharing of our story would mean the world to us. We know this is a time of hardship for many, but we also know the power of community, the strength of shared sorrow, and the hope that blooms from collective action. Together, we can give Cataleya a chance for more tomorrows. Thank you for your time, your compassion, and your support. We're forever grateful. Warmly, Nicky and Brian (Mom and Dad) #CataleyasBattle #HopeForTomorrow UPDATE 8/4: Dear Incredible Supporters and Friends, We're writing this update with a heart overflowing with gratitude and a spirit brimming with resolve, as we share the latest on Cataleya's journey. The abundance of love, prayers, and moral support we've received from each of you has touched us deeply. We're profoundly moved by your kindness and the considerable donations that have been raised so far. Cataleya's battle against surfactant deficiency continues, and your unwavering support has been a beacon of hope during this challenging time. We want to express our deepest appreciation for the profound impact you have made on our lives and the life of our precious daughter. In the midst of Cataleya's ongoing treatment, we face another hurdle as our son prepares to start school. The hospital, where Cataleya receives her critical care, is almost an hour away from our home. Balancing the needs of our son and spending quality time together as a family becomes increasingly challenging. Your contributions not only help cover the mounting medical expenses but also provide much-needed relief for gas and transportation costs. To give you a clearer picture of Cataleya's medical expenses, here's a brief breakdown: - $177,000 from her initial stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) - $66,000 from subsequent care in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) - And currently, an ongoing expense of $2,460 per day Donations will be used for medical bills/expenses and travel for us to be able to visit our daughter and be with our son. Faced with these staggering costs, and with heartfelt gratitude, we've decided to raise our fundraising goal from $10,000 to $50,000. The overwhelming support we've received so far has shown us the true power of community solidarity. Together, we believe we can afford Cataleya the chance at a normal, healthy life she so richly deserves. Again, we want to express how incredibly thankful we are for your love, prayers, and moral support. Your generosity has infused us with hope and strength during this challenging journey. Each donation, no matter how small, has made a significant impact on Cataleya's fight. As we deal with the intricacies of insurance companies and their policies, your consistent support serves as a reminder that we're not alone in this battle. Your kindness and compassion are invaluable to us, and we'll forever be grateful for your presence in our lives. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for standing with us on this journey. Your support gives us the courage to face each new day with renewed determination and hope. With the sincerest of thanks and unwavering determination, Nicky and Brian (Mom and Dad) #CataleyasJourney #GratefulHeart
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