Stephanie and Ruby

My name is Stephanie and I was born with quadriplegic spastic cerebral palsy. I can always remember wanting to be a mom but I never knew if it would become a reality. On October, 24, 2023 my dream became a reality. I gave birth to my amazing daughter Ruby.

I wanted to get married and have a family like many other people in this world. However, at age 41 I was getting older and didn't want to miss out on the opportunity to possibly have a child biologically. Due to my disability, I knew this would be very challenging but I had a great medical support team and friends that showed their emotional love and support as well. So being single by choice, I chose to use donor sperm. I knew having an infant would be a hardship because of my mobility difficulties but I'm a very determined person and I knew that I could figure out a plan. After all, I've been living independently since age 18 and I am college educated, work full-time for the federal government and own my own home. My plan was to have nannies that would help me throughout the day with my baby. I knew the cost associated with this and of course, I still work full-time but my secondary funding fell through. I’ve lived in Pittsburgh for 17 years and I consider it my home. Pittsburgh offers my job, public transportation, established attendant care network for myself, a wonderful medical team for Ruby and I, and last but not least my dear friends, who are more like family to me than just friends. I would like to raise Ruby to be a strong independent young lady and I feel that I can do that best in Pittsburgh because of all the city has to offer.

Ruby is now 6 months old and I have 3 nannies that work with us. I've been able to handle everything financially so far but it's been an extreme hardship. I looked for other funding sources such as government programs, local churches, and extra hours at work. I'm getting all the hours that I can at work, doing as much overtime as available and based on government programs I do not qualify because on paper my income is too high. If I was an able-bodied person, raising Ruby would be a piece of cake financially. However, I need assistance in the first few years of her life because of my disability. I am asking for any donations that you're willing and able to give to support for nanny care for Ruby. I have difficulty changing diapers, lifting her, bathing her and general tasks that involve strength and dexterity. In the near future, when Ruby can walk and use the bathroom, I know we will be just fine with minimal help that I can afford. However, at the current time, it's all hands on deck needed. Again any help you can provide is truly appreciated no donation is too small. Thank you again to all for your love and support during my journey through motherhood.

(All money donated will be used for the big expense of Nanny care.)