He Served Our Country. Now Help Elias Keep His Family Together.
My name is Tiffany, and I'm organizing this fundraiser for someone I'm fortunate to call both a friend and a colleague.
Elias is a decorated United States Army combat veteran, a dedicated addiction counselor, a loving husband, and a devoted stepfather. He has spent much of his life serving others—first in the military and now helping individuals struggling with addiction find hope, healing, and a second chance.
Today, Elias is the one who needs our help.
His wife, Yaisel, and his 17-year-old stepdaughter, Flavia, are facing the possibility of being required to leave the United States. He is doing everything he can to secure the specialized legal representation they need to pursue every available option to keep their family together.
A Family Built on Love and Second Chances
When Elias met Yaisel, they were both rebuilding their lives after difficult experiences. Neither expected to find the kind of love and family they would eventually build together.
Over time, Elias also earned the trust and love of Yaisel's daughter, Flavia. He never forced their relationship. Instead, he patiently showed up until trust grew into love.
Today, Elias doesn't simply describe Yaisel and Flavia as his wife and stepdaughter.
He describes them as his home.
When Elias experienced kidney failure, Yaisel spent nearly a year caring for him through serious health challenges. She stood beside him during one of the most difficult periods of his life. When his stepmother later needed someone to help care for her, Yaisel was the first to volunteer.
When Elias was at his weakest, Yaisel was his strength. Now, when she needs him most, he is determined to be hers.
Two Remarkable Women with Dreams Worth Protecting
Before coming to the United States, Yaisel was a licensed attorney in her home country. She came here hoping to build a future filled with opportunity and stability for herself and her daughter.
Since arriving, she has worked two and sometimes three jobs at a time, including factory work, caring for racehorses, and delivering food and groceries. She has worked tirelessly to help support her family while building a life in the country she hopes to call home.
And then there's Flavia.
At just 17 years old, she has already demonstrated extraordinary determination. When she arrived in the United States, she barely spoke English. She taught herself the language, is now fully bilingual, and has maintained straight A's in school.
Flavia dreams of serving in the United States military and eventually becoming a nurse. She wants to dedicate her life to caring for others, especially older adults and people with disabilities.
These are the dreams Elias is working so hard to protect.
They've Already Sacrificed Nearly Everything
Elias and his family have already invested substantial amounts of their own money in immigration petitions and legal representation.
To afford these expenses, Elias has sold his motorcycle, expensive bicycles, tools, and other personal belongings.
Their savings have been nearly exhausted, leaving approximately $1,500.
They now face an estimated $12,000 in additional legal expenses for Yaisel's and Flavia's immigration cases. The attorney requires an initial payment of $2,500 to begin the next stage of representation, followed by payments of at least $500 per month.
Elias shared something that captures his love for his family better than anything I could write:
"I can replace a motorcycle. I can replace bicycles. I can replace tools. I cannot replace my wife and daughter."
Where Your Donations Will Go
Our goal is to raise $12,000 to help cover specialized immigration attorney fees, legal filings, documentation, and representation for both Yaisel and Flavia.
The immediate need is $2,500 to begin the next stage of legal representation, with additional funds helping cover ongoing legal expenses.
Elias and Yaisel will continue contributing everything they reasonably can. They are simply asking for help with a financial burden that has become too great to carry alone.
While no attorney can guarantee the outcome of an immigration case, experienced legal representation will help this family understand and pursue the options available to them.
Now It's Our Turn to Show Up for Him
As Elias's friend and colleague, I know how deeply he cares about helping others.
As a combat veteran, he served his country. Today, as an addiction counselor, he helps people facing some of life's greatest challenges find hope and rebuild their futures.
But now he is facing one of the greatest challenges of his own life.
He wants to grow old with his wife. He wants to watch Flavia graduate, attend college, and pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. He wants to celebrate holidays, birthdays, and all the ordinary moments that make a family a family.
These aren't extravagant dreams.
They are the hopes of a husband and father who loves his family.
Elias served his country. Now he is doing everything he can to keep his family together.
If you're able to donate, any amount will help. If you can't donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser with friends, family, coworkers, faith communities, and veterans' organizations.
Every donation, every share, and every word of encouragement reminds this family that they aren't facing this challenge alone.
Elias has spent much of his life showing up for others.
Now, let's show up for him.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Tiffany
Friend and Colleague
