My beautiful daughter, Madi, is just seven years old. She is kind, loving, curious, and has the brightest smile. She loves to laugh, play with her toys, and dream about what she wants to be when she grows up.

Since the day she was born, she has been living with a congenital heart disease. Nothing prepares you for watching your child struggle with something she never asked for. There are days when she gets tired much faster than other children. Simple things like walking long distances, climbing stairs, or playing outside can leave her breathless.

Through it all, she has never stopped smiling. She always tells me she'll be okay, and somehow she finds the strength to comfort me when I should be the one comforting her.

After many tests and appointments, her doctors have told us that she urgently needs open-heart surgery. They believe this operation will give her the best chance at a longer and healthier life.

As her parent, I would give anything to make that happen.

Unfortunately, the journey doesn't end with the surgery itself. We are facing the overwhelming cost of the operation, her stay in the hospital, the special care she will need afterward, medications, follow up appointments, and the many other medical expenses that come with her recovery. During this time, I will also need to stay by her side every step of the way, making it difficult to work while she heals.

We have done everything we can, but this is more than our family can manage alone.

It is incredibly difficult for me to ask for help, but today I am choosing hope over pride. I am reaching out with all my heart, asking for your kindness.

Every donation, no matter how small, brings my daughter one step closer to the life saving care she desperately needs. And if you are unable to give, simply sharing our story could help us reach someone who can.