"But she's so tiny! Oh my goodness." My name is Judy Wilkes-Travers and these were my first words as I saw Arianna, my 2lb. 5oz granddaughter, just days after she was born. Her twin sister, Layla, was even smaller, weighing in at 1lb 15oz. Arianna or "Ari Bear" as she would come to be known, is tough as nails. Small enough to fit on her father's hand, Ari developed a bowel blockage. This resulted in a transfer to a hospital specializing in the care of children. Little did our family know that this tiny soldier was just beginning the first of many battles with five surgeries in the first 18 months of her life.

Ari required the first surgery just eight days after her birth to correct the blockage, resulting in her first ileostomy(an opening in the belly whereby the small intestine is brought to the outside of the abdominal wall.) As a family, our quest was for the bowel to be reattached. In June of 2016 our prayers were answered when four-month-old Ari was ready for the surgical intestinal reconnection of the bowel, or an anastomosis. A major battle ensued. Initially, the surgery appeared to be a success. Ari Bear was sent home only to return to the hospital thirty-six hours later. The bowel had ruptured and she was septic. Emergency surgery was necessary. I can recall that on Friday of that week. I held Ari, sang to her and begged God for a miracle. Her eyes seemed to say, "I'm not strong enough for this fight." I spoke out loud to this little cocoon of a baby. "Fight! You've got to fight" As her poppop rounded the corner, looking like a running back for the Eagles , we held Ari and then laid her on the table as she was wheeled away. Surgery was successful in that she had another ileostomy, however, complications following surgery required a 4 month hospital stay. Soldier on, Ari Bear.

Home at last, life took on a more normal pace with her brother and sisters. Ari's parents got the call and met with the surgeon. Now 18-months-old, she is ready for reattachment surgery again. This battle was only slightly different from the previous one--a cycle of reattachment, rupture, surgery for Ari's third ileostomy and another four month hospital stay.

Ari Bear is now five-years-old and getting ready for a different kind of battle. Kindergarten begins in less than five weeks. I have embarked on the search for an academic environment which will provide her with excellent social interaction, an academically rich curriculum and quality care which Ari continues to need as she continues to have the ileostomy. Her battle has become my battle to fight for a safe, secure , bully-free environment complete with a small class size and an understanding and passionate teacher. I have found such a school. My goal is to raise funds for her tuition and materials fee to secure her place in this kindergarten. This school comes highly recommended not only for the quality of the program, but also for the overall integrity of the staff.

I am asking for 5500.00 to cover the 4600.00 tuition and 300.00 materials fee. There is also a 60.00 materials fee which has already been paid. Can you help my little soldier begin yet another battle to integrate into a regular educational setting? I have been so blessed by having my granddaughters in my life and am asking for yet another blessing to have her included in this kindergarten experience. Thank you for any support you can provide to my family.

Judy Wilkes-Travers