Kansas City, Kan. ? The story of a 19-year-old who was left to raise her siblings after her mother’s death and her father’s deportation has prompted readers of The Kansas City Star to open their pockets.

Zenia Acedo, of Kansas City, Kan., lost her mother to cancer in late November, a few weeks after the dying woman gave birth to a premature girl. Her father was deported to Mexico shortly before the family buried their mother.

The infant continues to be cared for at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo. Zenia Acedo also has four younger brothers, ages 18, 14, 13 and 12.

The Star reported that people wishing to make financial donations to the family can do so through the Guest Services Department at the hospital.