Gabriela Belknap

My Gabby is pure joy! She has been the happiest, most content little girl since she was a newborn. She is also one tough cookie. She went through torticollis, physical therapy, and a helmet with such resilience, even graduating from her helmet early. During a difficult transition into motherhood, I sometimes wondered if I would ever feel the bond I longed for. Now, her huge gummy smile and her soft hands gently caressing my face when she sees me reminds me that God gave us both time to find it.

She is happiest doing the simplest things. She loves her little rattle my grandmother brought from Mexico, smiling at herself in the mirror, and rolling all over the floor now that she has mastered it. She loves hearing familiar voices and immediately looks around when she hears one. My favorite is laughing with her - she has no idea why she’s laughing, but if I laugh, she laughs too. Her contagious gummy smiles and giggles make this activity my most enjoyable and memorable one ever!

We would use the money to give our Gabby a strong start in life while creating memories as a family. We would put a portion toward her future, help with the everyday costs of raising her, and use some for experiences that we can share together. More than anything, we want her to grow up knowing she is loved, surrounded by family, culture, and opportunity. We would be grateful for the chance to turn the prize into something lasting for her.