Rachel Huber and her husband, Corey Galvan recently welcomed their third child into the world, albeit over five weeks early. Asher Malone Galvan, whose due date was December 11, was born on November 2, 2022, weighing 4 lbs., 15.3 oz. As expected, he was taken to the NICU at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis, TN, but he soon began to have episodes of bradycardia (below-average heart rate), oxygen desaturation (drops in oxygen level of the blood), and apnea (starting and stopping of breathing while sleeping). While this is not unexpected for premature babies, it reached a point that Asher was transferred to LeBonheur Children’s Hospital on November 7, where he still remains. He is growing stronger and improves daily, but the apnea, bradycardia, and oxygen desaturation events are still occurring with relative frequency. Although they hoped that he would be able to come home before Thanksgiving, this is unlikely, and while the staff of LeBonheur has provided excellent care for Asher, the growing cloud of the impending medical bill hangs heavy over his parents’ heads.

 

Mr. Galvan is a high school teacher at Southaven High School where he teaches ancient history. Dr. Huber is an audiologist who just received her second doctorate from the University of Memphis. Together, they have a son, Ezekiel “Zeke” Galvan, who is 16 months old, and Corey has an 11-year-old daughter, Lyric Galvan, from a previous relationship. Rachel, Corey, Lyric, and Zeke are looking forward to having their son and brother home with them, but they are not looking forward to receiving the medical bill from LeBonheur. They humbly ask for the kindness and compassion of their peers and request donations to help them pay off the medical bills that Asher has accrued since his early birth. So far, the outpouring of love and support has been immeasurable and overwhelming, and the thoughts and prayers have been felt and greatly appreciated—if hospitals accepted love, thoughts, and prayers as currency, the bill wouldn’t stand a chance, but alas, that is not the case. Any amount donated is greatly appreciated, and Corey will continue to post updates on Asher’s condition on his Facebook page. They invite you to follow along with Asher’s exciting-yet-unexpected-and-expensive first journey in this adventure we call Life.