Kai Story Starting life Fighting

He came into this world at just 25 weeks, weighing just 2lb 2oz, he’s already survived four brain operations, 3 major brain bleeds, a hemorrhage in his lungs, 116 days in the NICU, a diagnosis of Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, Corneal Visual Impairment, Medical NEC, Inguinal Hernia, & has a permanent VP Shunt (to keep it short we only listed a few...). He’s joyful, smart, stubborn in the best way, and determined to do things kids his age do without thinking.

He’s also more determined than any kid his age should have to be. He loves snuggles, music, trying hard things, and doing everything he sees his big sister do!

Every single day is work for him. Stretching. Braces. Standing frame. Therapies stacked on therapies. Hours of trying to get his body to cooperate. He can’t just move, he has to command every inch of his body to participate...

He can sit for a few seconds on his own. He commando crawls across the floor. He "walks" in his gait trainer giving him some hint of independence. He communicates beautifully without devices thanks to early neurofeedback therapies we placed him into, and he tries so incredibly hard at everything asked of him.

But now we’ve hit a critical moment.

Why We Need Help Now

Kai was recently diagnosed with hip dysplasia and his left hip is already about 60% displaced. If we don’t slow or reverse this, he will need a major reconstructive hip surgery with months of pain, immobility, and loss of progress.

We are running against the clock. At his age, neuroplasticity is higher than it will ever be again. What we do in the next 12–24 months will shape the rest of his life. We’re doing everything humanly possible, but the therapies that can help him the most are not covered by insurance.

To give Kai a real chance at walking with assistance, avoiding major surgeries, improving movement, lowering spasticity, and gaining independence, we’re accelerating the treatment plan we’ve been building for years.

This is our window. And we need help to get him everything he deserves.

What We’re Fighting For So Kai Can Thrive

Below is the full breakdown of the therapies, intensives, medical equipment, and travel that make up our $100,000 goal. These aren’t “nice to have.” These are the things that give our son his best chance at mobility, independence, and avoiding future invasive surgeries.

1. Cytotron Neuromodulation (30+ days in Mexico)

Estimated Total: $35,000 (Without Travel costs)

This is a month-long therapy that can reduce spasticity, help his soft brain tissue recover, and “wake up” damaged areas. It’s only offered in Mexico and India.

Costs included:

Therapy

(Living and travel costs will be another $5-8k)

2. Stem Cell Treatment (Single Treatment Trip to Panama)

Estimated Total: $18,000

Panama has the strongest neurological pediatric outcomes in the world right now. Their stem cell program has shown improvements in motor control, speech, tone reduction, coordination, and cognitive processing.

Costs include:

Therapy only

This single round is one of the biggest opportunities for Kai neurologically.

3. NeuroSolution Center of Austin (Texas) Intensive Program

Estimated Total: $20,000+

The NeuroSolution ATX intensive is 1–2 weeks of specialized neurological work, 3–5 hours per day, and costs over $10,000 per week. Insurance doesn’t cover any of it.

We're planning a minimum of a 2-week program which is the normal for out of state visitors.

Costs include:

Program cost ONLY

4. AKAP (All Kids Are Perfect) — 3-Week DMI Intensive

Estimated Total: $9,000 (therapy) + $6,000 (travel) = $15,000

DMI has already been one of the biggest game changers for him.

This intensive would be 3 weeks of high-frequency sessions designed to improve:

We’re trying to time this with a potential Duke cord blood study so we can combine both trips and reduce costs.

5. A Safe Bed (The EvanBed)

Estimated Total: $4,500

He has outgrown his crib, and he cannot sleep in a normal bed.

The EvanBed is safe, enclosed, structured, and suited for kids with mobility challenges. It keeps him secure without limiting his independence.

6. Trexo Robotics (If We’re Lucky Enough)

Estimated Total: $35,000

If Kai keeps progressing and we see the gains we’re hoping for, Trexo could allow him to practice true walking motion every day. This could prevent future surgeries, support hip alignment, and give him the chance to feel what real walking feels like.

This is our “if we’re blessed enough to reach it” goal, but it would change so much for him.

How the $100,000 Goal Breaks Down

Item Cost

Cytotron (Mexico, 30+ days) $35,000

Panama Stem Cell (Single Treatment) $18,000

NeuroSolution ATX Intensive $20,000+

AKAP DMI Intensive + Travel $15,000

EvanBed $4,500

Travel and living expenses for everything will range $15,000-$20,000

Total need: Approximately $100,000, adjusting for travel, food, transportation, medical needs, and work loss.

This is what gives Kai the best shot at mobility, independence, and avoiding painful, invasive surgeries.

What This Means for Kai

If we can get him to these therapies, they could help him:

We’ve seen what even small steps forward do for him. These aren’t just treatments, they’re hope, possibility, and a chance at a life where Kai gets to participate more fully in the world around him.

How You Can Help

Every bit of help matters. Truly. Even sharing this means the world to us.

Thank you for believing in Kai, for caring about our family, and for helping us fight for the future he deserves.

With love,

Dustin, Tawny, Kai, and Kaysha