A Mother’s Strength: Ariana’s Story

Ariana (left) enjoying a day at the beach with her friend

When Ariana, just 14 years old, was admitted to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for 15 days due to digestive complications and severe weight loss, her family’s world turned upside down. For her mother Joy, a single mom of three, including another child with special needs, the days blurred together between hospital visits, long drives, and sleepless nights worrying about her children at home.

Joy shared, “As a single mom of 3, one with CF and my one with special needs, my time is constantly split up to meet all of my kids’ needs and work enough to stay afloat. Recently, my CF baby Ariana was admitted to CHOP for 15 days for digestive and weight loss issues.”

During this time, Joy missed nearly 20 days of work. The bills piled up, and the weight of financial stress grew heavier each day. That’s when Claire’s Place Foundation stepped in. With an Extended Hospital Stay Grant, we were able to cover her rent payment — lifting a huge burden off Joy’s shoulders and allowing her to focus fully on Ariana’s recovery.

“Thanks to Claire’s foundation, I did not have to feel so much of that burden on my shoulders. They were able to provide me with a grant to pay my rent, and I have now been able to commit more time to my daughter Ariana’s recovery, my other kids’ needs, and not have to split my time between going to work even more to make up my financial losses.”

Today, Ariana continues her recovery with her family’s love and support wrapped around her. Joy’s strength and determination inspire us, and her story is a powerful reminder of why our programs exist — to keep families together and focused on what matters most when cystic fibrosis forces life to a halt.