First, I want to thank everyone who has signed, shared, supported, and stood with our family. Your kindness and support have carried us through some of the hardest years of our lives and have reminded us that we are not alone.

Elizabeth Mercedes Hernandez is still in prison.

She has now been separated from her family for nearly three years, three years of missed birthdays, missed milestones, and precious moments that can never be replaced. Her children continue growing up without their mother by their side, and those lost years are something no family can ever get back.

To make matters even more difficult, Elizabeth was transferred to Tallahassee, over 500 miles from home, making visits extremely difficult for our family. Because of this distance, Elizabeth has not had any physical contact with her children in over a year. No hugs, no holding their hands, no sitting together, only phone calls, memories, and the hope of being reunited.

Even through this difficult chapter, Elizabeth refuses to give up.

She continues to work, stay productive, encourage others, and help however she can. She remains strong for her children and for all of us. But above all, her faith is what keeps her going. Her faith gives her strength on the hardest days, keeps hope alive, and reminds her that one day she will be reunited with her children.

Even from prison, she continues being a mother, encouraging her children, comforting our family, and often becoming the one giving strength to everyone else.

On January 30 of this year, we had the oral argument for Elizabeth’s direct appeal, and we are currently waiting for a decision from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. We remain hopeful and continue praying for justice.

One reason we continue holding onto hope is that after Elizabeth was incarcerated, we received a letter from the Department of Health stating they conducted their own investigation into the case, concluded that Elizabeth had committed no fraud, and closed their case. This strengthened our belief that Elizabeth’s full story deserves to be heard.

While we continue waiting for the appeal, we are also asking for consideration of a presidential pardon or commutation — whichever path may bring Elizabeth home to her children sooner.

Her children need their mother now. Childhood does not pause.

Please continue signing and sharing this petition. Every signature and every share helps keep hope alive and keeps attention on Elizabeth’s case.

We are not giving up.

Until Elizabeth comes home.

With love and gratitude,
Esther Pino
Mother of Elizabeth Mercedes Hernandez