Brooxton’s Hospitalization

Hi there. My name is Lauren and I have two children—Winston and Brooxton.

Brooxton was born a little early and spent some time in the NICU. Since we’ve been home, he has struggled to gain weight. He is 4 months old and only 10 pounds. On Thursday, June 26th, Brooxton’s pediatrician and a GI specialist from Children’s Hospital decided it would be best to admit him.

Here's what we know so far—he retains less than 50% of the “food” that he intakes. He is losing weight now instead of gaining.

They also found a hole in the top two chambers of his heart—this could be ASD (atrial septal defect).

Some of you may know, but I am a single mom who supports myself and my two children. Now I am unable to work because I am staying in St. Louis with Brooxton. They are unsure how long we will be here. It could be days, it could be weeks, or even months. We are in the unknown right now.

Without being able to work, I will financially drown. I have bills and now I have travel expenses and gas expenses because I will be going back and forth to be with my 6-year-old, or rent a hotel room to have him come up here. We’re 3 hours away from home and have nobody here.

I appreciate any help, so, so much. I never ask for help, but right now I have to put my pride to the side and try to get through this. If I don’t have to stress over my bills, my mind will be more at ease and I can solely focus on my baby and seeing his brother.

Truly, thank you for anything and everything.

Update 7/8/25

we are still in St. Louis and still have no definitive answers.

Update 7/13/25

we have confirmed his ASD (atrial septal defect) in between the top two chambers of his heart. He still is not gaining weight. And we’re starting completely over essentially with a new team to see if there’s anything they might’ve missed or didn’t think of. This mama is exhausted.