Support the Cho Family Through Natalie's Medical Journey

Dear Friends, Family, and Kindhearted Strangers,

My name is Kristie Jen, and I’m reaching out to you with a heavy heart for my dear friends, the Cho family (Nameun, Sarah, Isabelle, Bennett, and Natalie). Natalie, Sarah and Nameun’s 1-year-old daughter, was born with Pierre-Robin Sequence and a cleft palate, which compromises her ability to eat and breathe. In her short life so far, she has undergone multiple surgeries and faced life-threatening complications, most recently with her surgery on January 27, 2025 that led to further unexpected health risks. They are helping her through an intense period of grueling recovery and she also now needs another invasive procedure in a little over a month which will double her recovery time and the pain she must endure.

We never expect or prepare for our little ones to have to experience extended medical trauma and the pain associated with it, which is why I am here, asking for your help during an incredibly challenging time. Any donation will ease the Chos’ financial burden as they manage mounting medical bills and long-term care costs. Please consider contributing to help this deserving family so they can focus on caring for Natalie and supporting each other.

With love and gratitude,

Kristie

If you would like to learn more about Natalie and the Chos' journey, please find her story and how your donation will help below.

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Natalie Katherine Yeonah Cho, Sarah and Nameun’s 1-year-old daughter, was unexpectedly born with Pierre-Robin Sequence and a cleft palate, which has required multiple surgeries and ongoing medical care to help her breathe, eat, and grow. Immediately following her birth, Natalie had a two-month NICU stay and endured invasive surgery followed by a week long intubation to extend her jaw and clear multiple airways. After another surgery at 5 months old, she was nursed back to health through careful medical care and observation, and with the unending attentiveness and love of her family. Given the severity of Natalie’s condition and the care she requires, Sarah has taken multiple extended leaves, resulting in loss of income. Though Natalie has shone as a warrior through her first year of life, the Chos continue to navigate and prepare for additional procedures to support her development.

On January 27, 2025, 2 days after her 1st birthday, Natalie underwent a planned, yet extremely complex surgery to repair her cleft palate and mend the airways that have caused continued difficulty breathing. While the Chos were prepared for a months’-long recovery following the procedure, they were met with serious complications in the days following, forcing them to pivot their post-op care plans. There were several moments of uncertainty and fears that Natalie would not survive her hospital stay. After they were discharged, they discovered that parts of the repair done inside her mouth had detached, causing serious risks to her breathing and ability to eat. Natalie now faces the need for an additional and unexpected invasive cranio-facial surgery in the coming months, doubling the expected recovery time and long-term care plans. During this stressful waiting period, the Chos are on constant high alert, looking out for any life-threatening sign that Natalie must be readmitted for emergency surgery.

I’ve started this GoFundMe campaign because I, like hundreds of others, have personally benefited from the love, support, prayers, and selflessness of the Cho family. We are so grateful for the many members of their immediate communities who have already been supporting them emotionally, spiritually, and financially through this unimaginable year. The Chos will continue to fight an uphill battle in Natalie’s care and recovery, and this campaign is an opportunity to lift them up as a broader community. I invite you to come alongside us and support in any way you can. Here’s what your generosity will help with:

The Cho family is navigating these hardships with incredible faith and strength, but they need our support to cover their needs due to their extensive medical hardships. Your generous donations will help ease their financial burden so they can focus on caring for Natalie and supporting each other through this journey.

We continue to cling to hope and pray for the best possible outcomes for Natalie and for reprieve for the Cho family. We are grateful for the guidance of her medical team and, while her medical journey is uncertain, we know she is not alone. I know they are so thankful for continued prayers and love shown to them. Your kindness, generosity, and love are not just appreciated; they are what’s keeping the Cho family hopeful during this time.