Hi my name is Ashley. My husband, Javier, and I were expecting our first child at the end of April 2021; however, that was not meant to be. On Christmas night of 2020 I went into premature labor. The doctors did all they could to stop my labor but my little girl was in a hurry to be born. She was delivered via emergency C-section two days later. She weighed less than a pound and measured 11 inches long. The nurses told my husband not to expect the baby to survive the night. By the grace of God, she made it through the night. She struggled to breath as her lungs were severely underdeveloped and she had a small hole in her heart. Her name is Anayah but we call her our little warrior!

The first few weeks were very difficult for all of us. Every day we wondered if she was going to make it. The worse part was when I had to leave her behind when I was discharged from the hospital. My heart just about broke in two. My husband and I drove two hours each day to spend time with her her. We had to wait for at least 4 weeks before we could even hold her because her skin was so sensitive.

She continued to grow and develop but was diagnosed with a small hole in her heart. She had to have a surgical procedure to repair it. She suffered through several bouts of infections but miraculously came through it all.

The doctors were pleased with her progress but they felt something was still not quite right. She did not move as a normal baby would and her feet were pointed downward. She was still struggling with her breathing and she could not swallow. After a series of tests, she was diagnosed with Myotonic Dystrophy which is a form of Muscular Dystrophy. It effects all her muscles, including her limbs, her heart, her lungs, swallowing, etc. This diagnosis was devastating to our family. This will effect her for the rest of her life as it gets progressively worse over time.

Anayah finally came home after spending nine months in the hospital. She requires around the clock care. She has a tracheostomy to help her breathe and a g-tube for feeding. She moves her arms but can't hold her neck up or sit up. She does have quite the personality and let's you know when she does not like something. Her face lights up when she is happy!

She will require a lifetime of care. We are struggling to pay all the medical bills and such as I am unable to work as she requires special care. We are in need of your support to help with the surmounting medical bills and basic living expenses. Whether you are able to donate or not, we appreciate your love and support. Please share this post and keep us in your prayers.

Thank you!