Ryder was a remarkable baby boy. It is difficult to write something for a baby that was so tiny and spent such a precious little time with us here. While Ryder did spend so little time with us, he did leave lasting impressions on me, Raul and his Ate Rylee.

Born fifteen weeks early, on August 14, 2022, Ryder tried to live. At first, doctors felt he would survive. The doctor who delivered him said he was so alert, looking around and cooing. Raul said every time he spoke, Ryder would try opening his eyes. You see, those were words that gave me hope.

I remember visiting him in NICU for the first time and just crying. Crying because there was my precious son laying in that NICU incubator, eyes closed and just moving and breathing with all his might. He was just a bundle of love and I prayed for eternity with him. His tiny body weighed just 1 pound 15 ounces and he was 13 inches long. I could not believe that a baby so small could be so full of incredible vigor and life.

Ryder was small, but he was full of energy. He would open his tiny mouth at what seemed like a little cry, and I knew at that point in time I was hooked on him. Raul and I planned for a life in the hospital for the next 2-3 months but sadly that did not come to fruition. Two days after his birth, his tiny little body found peace.

My heart still grieves that I could not spend more time with my boy. Almost a year later, I feel a bit of anger and lots of sadness that I am not planning a first birthday. But to ease a bit of that sadness, in honor of RYDER DONOVAN VASQUEZ, my family and I would like to help another sick little boy or girl have a fighting chance at a healthy life. remember you; you hold a truly special place in my heart. So, please help support our fundraising efforts with a donation to Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Your gift will make a difference in the life of a young individual. Any amount, great or small, will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

PS: To our beautiful boy, you have touched our lives. We love you with all our heart.