Where Ray Found Safety, Joy, and Belonging

My name is Roxana, and I’m a single mother raising four beautiful children: Angel (25), Richard (17), Roman (13), and my youngest son, Ray (6). Two of them, Richard and Ray, live every day with complex emotional and physical needs. I’ve spent more than two decades caring for children with extraordinary challenges, navigating sleepless nights, therapy appointments, and a constant undercurrent of worry. For so long, I believed I would carry the entire weight alone. I lived on edge, cherishing Ray’s smiles one moment, only to fear the silence that might follow. I wondered if I would ever truly rest, or if answers would ever come.

Then came the diagnosis: Ray has Aicardi Goutières Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects his brain, immune system, and development. Watching medical teams speak of limits, fragility, and uncertainty, I felt both small and fiercely determined. I vowed he deserves joy. He deserves connection and a place where he is known and loved.

That’s when we discovered Ryan House and everything began to shift. Ray may be nonverbal, but his joy says everything. Every time he arrives, the staff lights up because they know him and he knows them. He’s all smiles, and they always make sure he gets time in his favorite spaces, especially the music room. He loves sound, rhythm, bright colors, and playful energy and Ryan House gives him all of that and more. Whether it’s music therapy, the colorful sensory room, or simply being surrounded by people who truly see him, Ray thrives. His face lights up, his body relaxes, and I can tell he feels safe. Their care isn’t just clinical. It feels like belonging. Peace of mind in the shape of an embrace.

Because of the generosity of people like you, I found relief and the chance to reset, time and again. I found a community where Ray wasn’t just safe, he was celebrated. While he stayed and I grew in confidence, I was able to take my kids to the State Fair, and during other visits, spend much-needed one-on-one time with each of them. I exhaled. For the first time in years, I felt like I could be fully present with all of my children.

Ryan House supports more than one child; it supports a whole family. It became our backup when we had none. I’m not originally from Arizona, and my parents are aging. Without nearby support, I often felt like I had no safety net until Ryan House became ours. Here, I know I belong. My children belong. Ray’s laughter lights the room.

Everywhere he goes, people smile and say his name. Staff, volunteers, and other families know and love him. I watch them hand him a music toy, he giggles, and I know he’s seen.

Now, Ryan House is celebrating 15 years of providing comfort, support, and belonging to families like ours. This milestone matters because it represents years of lives held, moments treasured, memories made. Today, I ask you to join us once more.

Will you help ensure the doors and hearts of Ryan House stay open for the families who arrive unsure, alone, in need of connection and a break from 24/7 caregiving? Your gift makes belonging happen. Because someone gave for us, I could breathe again. My kids could feel equal care. Ray could feel known.

Will you give today?

With deepest gratitude,

Roxana Porras — proud mother of Angel, Richard, Roman and Ray

P.S. Arizona residents: when you designate your state tax credit to Ryan House, it costs you nothing, yet it transforms lives like ours. Your generosity becomes belonging for a child and their whole family. Please choose Ryan House.

Turn Your Taxes Into Compassion

The Arizona Charitable Tax Credit lets you direct your state tax dollars to Ryan House—at no cost to you. You can give up to $987 (married) or $495 (single) and receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on your Arizona state taxes.

Your Gift Provides a Break for Families

When you donate your tax credit to Ryan House, you give comfort, care, and peace of mind to families facing unimaginable challenges. Make your 2025 tax credit gift by April 15, 2026.