Meet Hailee Young, the four-year-old daughter of Neil and Natalie Young.

Hailee was born in 2021 and, by all measures, was a healthy baby. But at just three months old, Neil and Natalie started to sense something wasn't right. Hailee began experiencing severe seizures that led to repeated hospitalizations and, ultimately, a life-altering diagnosis of CDKL5.

CDKL5 is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by an X chromosome mutation. It brings with it early-onset, treatment-resistant epilepsy, significant intellectual disability, and profound motor, visual, and feeding challenges. Children with CDKL5 require constant, lifelong care.

Today, Hailee cannot walk, crawl, or sit up on her own. She relies on specialized medical equipment, including oxygen and a ventilator system, to support her breathing. As Hailee grows, safely moving her—and all of her essential equipment—between her upstairs bedroom and the main level of the home has become increasingly difficult and physically demanding for her family and caregivers.

Having a dedicated, accessible space on their home's main level - designed specifically for Hailee’s medical needs - would make an incredible difference. It would ease the daily challenges of her care, support those who lovingly care for her, and most importantly, provide Hailee with greater comfort, safety, and dignity.

All of us at Drake Homes, a Des Moines–area homebuilder, along with our contractor partners, feel incredibly grateful to be able to help make this possible by adding a special room to the Young family’s home. We’re calling this project A Room for Hailee.

Thank you for taking the time to read Hailee’s story and for holding her family in your hearts. Now, we invite you to take the next step.

Please consider donating to A Room for Hailee. Your gift - no matter the size - will help cover the costs to create a safe, accessible space where Hailee can receive the care she depends on every single day. If you’re unable to give, sharing this fundraiser is just as meaningful and helps us reach others who may be able to help.

Together, we can lighten the daily burden on Hailee’s family and give this sweet little girl a space designed just for her comfort, safety, and care. Thank you for being part of Hailee’s journey and for helping turn hope into action.