Meet Emelia, a joyful, resilient baby girl whose journey includes Down Syndrome and an AV Heart Canal Defect, who needs your support.
Her Story
In her short time on this earth, Emelia has already shown a kind of strength and joy that most of us spend a lifetime searching for. Born with Down syndrome and an AV Canal heart defect, her journey began with challenges far bigger than she is, yet she has met every single one with courage, grace, and the brightest spirit. At just 8 months old, Emelia underwent open-heart surgery. Through every appointment and moment of uncertainty, she has continued to shine. Her resilience is undeniable, her presence magnetic, and her smile… truly the kind that lights up a room and softens every heart in it.
Why Donate
As Emelia continues her recovery from heart surgery and faces ongoing medical care throughout 2026, our goal is to raise $10,000 to support post-surgical expenses and future medical needs. This support will help ensure that her parents can focus on what matters most, Emelia’s growth, health, and happiness, rather than the financial strain that often accompanies complex medical care. This fundraiser also helps raise awareness by connecting individuals and families on similar journeys to trusted foundations of support, including Best Buddies, Global Down Syndrome, Rod’s Heroes, The Children’s Heart Foundation, and beyond, strengthening a broader community of advocacy, inclusion, and care.
Why: Project JJ
Project JJ is a community-powered initiative created by Jude&Jojos to support families navigating disability, medical, and neurodivergent journeys through meaningful storytelling and tangible financial support.
At its core, Project JJ exists to remind families that they are seen, valued, and not walking alone.
Each year, Project JJ partners with donors, sponsors, and our local community to select a family that would benefit from intentional support. Through fundraising efforts, creative collaborations, and storytelling, we provide financial relief while also amplifying awareness for the organizations and resources that serve families on similar paths.
To ensure full transparency and impact, Project JJ fundraisers are hosted through SupportNow.org, a trusted fundraising platform. Because of this partnership, 100% of all funds donated are given directly to the selected family.
While Project JJ may highlight and raise awareness for trusted foundations, therapy centers, and advocacy organizations, these organizations are not affiliated with Project JJ and are not recipients of Project JJ donations. All funds raised are designated specifically to support the selected family.
Photography plays a powerful role in this mission. By documenting real stories with honesty and care, Project JJ helps shift narratives by focusing not on limitations, but on connection, resilience, and belonging.
Project JJ is more than a fundraiser.
It’s a reminder that community can show up in meaningful ways and that belonging should never be conditional.
How: Project JJ
The funds raised through Project JJ for Emelia will go directly toward supporting both her medical and developmental journey and the everyday realities her parents are navigating as first-time parents in their 20s.
Emelia’s parents are learning how to be parents while simultaneously learning how to advocate, navigate systems, attend appointments, and make decisions that no young family ever anticipates making so early on. This season of life requires strength, flexibility, and resources, many of which come with a significant financial burden.
100% of funds donated through SupportNow.org will be given directly to Emelia’s family and may be used to help cover:
Medical expenses not fully covered by insurance
Therapy services and evaluations that support Emelia’s development
Specialized equipment, adaptive needs, or sensory supports
Travel costs related to appointments, therapies, or specialists
Time away from work so her parents can be present for care, appointments, and advocacy
Everyday living expenses during seasons of increased medical or therapy demands
Beyond the financial impact, these funds provide something just as important: breathing room. Space for Emelia’s parents to focus on loving, learning, and showing up for their daughter without the constant pressure of choosing between care and cost.
Project JJ exists to meet families where they are… not just in moments of crisis, but in the quiet, ongoing work of showing up every day. Supporting Emelia and her parents means investing in stability, dignity, and the belief that young families deserve support as they grow into this journey.
Your donation helps lighten the weight they carry and reminds them they are not alone.
