Share the Love for Zeke

If you've been part of our lives for any amount of time, you know that Zeke has never done anything the easy way. Because of Spina Bifida, hospitals, surgeries, specialists, therapies, and medical equipment have always been part of our story. He has faced more challenges in his young life than many people face in a lifetime, and somehow he continues to meet them with courage, humor, and a determination that constantly amazes me. This Friday, Zeke will undergo a major surgery that will require a week-long hospital stay followed by a significant recovery period at home. As his mom, I'll be spending my days and nights at the hospital, advocating for him, comforting him, and helping him navigate what will undoubtedly be a difficult road to healing. After we come home, his recovery will continue for weeks as we adjust to new routines, manage pain, attend follow-up appointments, and help him regain his strength. At the same time, our family will be spread across multiple states. My daughter, Vivien, will be staying with my sister in Michigan while Zeke is hospitalized and recovering. While I am incredibly grateful she will be loved and cared for, it also means that once we're home, the days can feel long and lonely. Much of the responsibility for caregiving, household tasks, meals, errands, and recovery support will fall to me alone. I am not great at asking for help. Truthfully, I'm usually the person organizing the meal train, dropping off dinner, or figuring out how to make things work on my own. But I've learned that sometimes strength looks less like carrying everything yourself and more like allowing people who love you to show up. Many friends and family have asked what we need. The answer is simple: anything that makes daily life a little easier while we focus on helping Zeke heal. Gift cards for meals, grocery delivery, household essentials, activities to keep a recovering kid entertained, help with household chores, visits after we're home, or any practical support will make a meaningful difference during this season. Most of all, we ask for your thoughts, prayers, good vibes, crossed fingers, and whatever form of hope you carry. Zeke has overcome so much already, and we're believing this surgery will help create a healthier, stronger future for him. Thank you for loving our family. Thank you for loving my boy. Thank you for helping us focus on what matters most right now—his healing. With gratitude, Colleen, Zeke, and Vivien