A father’s tribute
In Loving Memory of Lyzabeth
Thank you for visiting my daughter’s page. She was here. She was loved. She mattered. And she will always matter.
All donations are made directly through March of Dimes.
28 weeks
Born early at UCSD Medical Center
1 lb 12 oz
At birth
2 weeks
At home with her family
Forever
In our hearts
December 5, 2001
She came into the world fighting
Lyzabeth was born on 12/05/2001 at UCSD Medical Center. She arrived very early, at approximately 28 weeks gestation, and weighed just 1 pound 12 ounces. During pregnancy, doctors closely monitored her because she was much smaller than expected and was not growing well in the womb.
Because of concerns about her growth, she was delivered by cesarean section with a full pediatric team present. At birth, Lyzabeth needed immediate medical support. She had trouble breathing and required resuscitation, including assisted breathing, chest compressions, and later placement on a ventilator. She was then transferred to the Infant Special Care Center, where she received specialized care for prematurity and breathing problems.
Her doctors treated her with medicine to help her lungs, antibiotics to protect against infection, and careful monitoring for the many complications that can affect babies born this early. They also watched her blood pressure, blood sugar, platelet count, and overall stability very closely. Despite how fragile she was, her medical team noted that she was alert and active after admission.
Stronger than she looked
Over time, Lyzabeth faced many serious health problems, including a bloodstream fungal infection, kidney problems, adrenal gland problems, chronic lung disease, ongoing diarrhea, anemia, weak bones, nerve damage that affected feeling and movement, seizures, developmental delays, and difficulty gaining weight and growing. She also needed a feeding tube and surgery to help with feeding and reflux.
Lyzabeth spent only two weeks at home. The rest of her life was spent receiving care at UC San Diego Hillcrest Hospital and Rady Children’s Hospital.
“Lyzabeth went to heaven on 01/21/2004.”
January 21, 2004
March 18, 2026
22 years to find the words
As I write this on 03/18/2026, it has taken me 22 years to find the strength to share my little girl’s story.
Lately, I have been carrying a deep and overwhelming feeling that my daughter’s memory may be fading with time, and that is something my heart cannot accept.
“She was here. She was loved. She mattered. And she will always matter.”
As a father, the years after her passing were filled with pain, darkness, and battles that are hard to put into words. There were four times when I almost lost that battle. Grief changed me in ways I never expected, and for a long time, it felt heavier than I could carry. But by the grace of God, I am still here. I am in a better place now, and I have been for a long time.
The ones who held us together
A big part of that is because of my wife, the mother of our daughter. She is a strong, loving, and incredible woman — the foundation of our home, the strength of our family, and the person who held us together when everything around us felt like it was falling apart. Her love, her faith, and her strength carried us through the darkest days. There are no words big enough to fully describe what she has meant to me and to our family. As long as she stands beside me, there is no battle I cannot face.
As you read my daughter’s story, I ask that you keep not only these precious babies in your heart, but also the mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters who live with this kind of loss every single day. The pain does not simply disappear. It becomes something you learn to carry. My wife struggled for a very long time, and even in her own heartbreak, she continued to love, to endure, and to be the heart of our family. My oldest son has also carried the pain of losing his sister, and at times, I know he still does.
Today
Lyzabeths Legacy
This page is for Lyzabeth. For her life. For her memory. For the love that never ended. And for the truth that even though her time here was short, she left a mark on our hearts that will last forever.
WAYS TO HELP
Honor Lyzabeth by Supporting Other Families
Thank you for taking a moment to learn about Lyzabeth’s story.
Thank you for honoring her memory.
If you feel moved to give, your donation goes directly to March of Dimes — an organization that supports research, education, and advocacy for moms, babies, and families facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Whether the gift is large or small, every act of kindness helps carry Lyzabeth’s memory forward and brings hope to families who need it most.
Donations are made directly through March of Dimes. This page does not collect, process, or manage donation funds.
Her Memory Lives On
Thank you for taking a moment to learn about my daughter. Thank you for honoring her memory. And thank you for helping bring hope and compassion to families who need it most.