READ ME FIRST REGARDING FUNDRAISER SITE: you are able to donate using the donate button, if you go to the auction section you DO NOT need to register to bid as each shirt has its own buy now option only- all of this can also be found in a pinned post on the “supporters” tab.

In January of 2011, my daughter Laila was born with an extremely rare genetic condition — an unbalanced translocation of chromosomes 1 and 10. Her condition was so rare that it had never been documented in either the United States or the United Kingdom.

During her short but extraordinary life, Laila spent much of her time in hospitals, enduring countless surgeries, procedures, and medical challenges before even reaching her second birthday. Despite everything she faced, she continued to fight with a strength that inspired everyone who met her. After suffering a devastating stroke, Laila became neurologically blind and deaf and eventually relied completely on medical intervention for her care.

On July 9, 2014, I had to say goodbye to my daughter.

Throughout those years, the Ronald McDonald House became a place of comfort for me and my family. I stayed at multiple Ronald McDonald House locations, as well as a Ronald McDonald family floor within the hospital itself. During the hardest moments of my life, they provided a place to rest, regroup, and simply breathe while staying close to my daughter.

Since losing Laila, I have chosen to keep her legacy alive by giving back to families walking a similar journey.

Every year in Laila’s honor, I sponsor a room at the Ronald McDonald House to help ensure no family is turned away during a medical crisis. I also personally assemble and deliver 100 comfort kits for parents staying there. These kits are filled with everyday essentials and thoughtful items parents may forget or desperately need during long hospital stays — reusable water bottles, toothbrushes, toothpaste, notebooks, pens, phone chargers, letters reminding them they are not alone, and more.

Over the years, I have also donated larger requested items such as air purifiers, mini fridges, and additional supplies to help support families during incredibly stressful times.

This year is especially meaningful because January 18, 2026, would have been Laila’s Sweet 16.

To honor her birthday, I would love to do something extra special in addition to the annual room sponsorship and comfort kits. My goal is to provide 16 individual $50 gift cards that the Ronald McDonald House staff can distribute to parents who may need a warm meal, gas, essentials, coffee, or simply one less thing to worry about during an overwhelming time.

Every donation — no matter the size — helps continue Laila’s legacy of love, comfort, and compassion for families facing the unimaginable.

Thank you for helping me make sure parents know they are not alone.

Follow Laila’s Legacy on Facebook for fundraiser updates, comfort kit assembly days, donation drop-offs updates at

https://www.facebook.com/share/1LW5gQNnT2/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Laila’s Legacy 2026/2027

Sweet 16 for Ronald McDonald House Families