On December 5th 2022, we welcomed Clay into the world at just 25 weeks and 2 days weighing only 1lb 12oz. Our tiny worrier, born 15 weeks early has fought hard every day since. His due date was March 18th, 2023.

On December 22nd Clay was transferred to a hospital with a larger ICU for emergency surgery. He suffered a full perforation of the small intestines onset by a disease called NEC or necrotizing enteral colitis. Because he was so small and his intestines were so fragile, the doctors were not able to put them back into his body for 4 days. By the grace of God on December 26th our miracle child had his second successful operation after days of countless blood transfusions and medications to regulate every bodily function. Only a small amount of intestinal tissue had to be removed and everything was able to be put back into place with the exception of a stoma.

Clay has had many ups and downs along his journey. He has gone weeks and weeks without being able to eat due to on and off infections of the intestines. He was diagnosed with ROP or retinopathy of prematurity which he is receiving ongoing treatment for. He also has been and will continue to be monitored because of two grade 4 brain hemorrhages. In the long run he will have to be watched closely for any signs and signals of developmental delay or physical disabilities. We have dedicated ourselves to nurturing our baby into the best health possible, now and forever. Despite all of the pain and trauma his body has endured, he is a bright and happy baby boy, he has not been broken!

Unfortunately we have just received the news that our insurance company will stop paying for his stay in the NICU when Clay reaches 5lbs. He is currently 4lbs 3oz gaining about a half oz to an oz a day. He is scheduled for another surgery on February 21st, by that time he will be well over the 5lb limit. On average, a day in the NICU can cost between 6,000 and $8,000. Both his father and I have stepped down from our positions as art teachers to protect Clay from all of the germs that are spread amongst our K-5 students and have already been feeling the financial strain that comes along with this journey. By the time our baby is able to come home, we will be well over $200,000 in debt. That does not include the specialized formulas and possible medications that he will need when he gets home.

We ask that you, our community, please help us if you can! If you cannot donate please share! We still have a long journey ahead of us, any thing at all will help! God did not brings us this far to leave us. We give God all the Glory and Praise! Thank You God! Thank You!