Is realizing there is no “happily ever after” ending—because Mom’s love never ends. If it did, it wouldn’t be love. I cherish being part of my children’s imaginative, hopeful world and watching their dreams come to life. Right now, they’re creating a graphic novel. In their story—and in real life—my 3 children and myself, are superheroes. Our superpower is American Sign Language (ASL)—a beautiful powerful language that gives them their voice and lets their light shine!

There is truly nothing my children cannot do. Every day, they show me resilience, determination & courage. Despite their unique challenges, they continue to grow, thrive, and pursue what they love with my support and participation—from music to Jiu-Jitsu to sports. They’ve taught me to see ability over limitation and to believe that everything is possible. That belief fuels my work supporting accessibility inclusive universal learning at a state university since 2003.

This support would go toward something truly life-changing for my children—a psychiatric & hearing assistance dog through Little Angels Service Dogs. The dog would provide hearing alerts, boundary guidance & deep pressure therapy, helping my children navigate the world with greater confidence & independence. I’m their advocate through it all & the dog would be another powerful way to help them thrive & shine. I also run a small brigadeiro business to help with my children's medical expenses.