Donations for Erin Thompson, Baby Rya and Family

Rya Elissa Jean Raysby was born 6 weeks premature on August 26, 2022. She is a fighter and has overcome so many obstacles but Rya still has a long road ahead of here. Rya is currently in the NICU at UNMC. In one month little Rya has faced so many obstacles. She has been on oxygen until recently, at one point she was taken off oxygen, as they thought she was ready but unfortunately Rya stopped breathing. As you can imagine this was a very scary time for momma and family. Rya fought hard while medical staff quickly put her back on oxygen. She has since progressed and is able to now breathe on her own. Rya currently has trouble eating and digesting food so is using a feeding tube to eat as they struggle to find a formula that will work best for her. Recent genetic testing revealed some concern and after an MRI doctors diagnosed Rya with a condition known as Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (ACC). ACC is a rare congenital brain defect. Corpus Callosum is a band of tissue, made up of nerve fibers, that connects the left and right side of the brain. ACC occurs when this band does not connect properly. As of now Rya’s family is awaiting further evaluation to determine the severity of this disorder. Regardless of severity, Rya will most likely need physical and occupational therapy for the majority of her life. This will mean frequent visits to Omaha for specialty care. Rya and her momma are so very lucky to be surrounded with family and friends who have helped to support them every step of the way! As Erin stays close to Rya in Omaha, Erin’s mother (Rya’s proud grandma) is caring for Rya’s big brothers Gus and Ben. These boys have been so strong. They too are going through this struggle as well. Luckily they have remained home in the care of their Grandma, Colleen Thompson. Colleen traveled every weekend to be with Erin while they awaited the birth of Baby Rya. She is now traveling to Omaha every Friday to be with Erin and Rya. This also allows for Gus and Benny to see their momma and meet their new baby sister. With Momma gone they have been introduced to daycare for the first time so Grandma can go to work. As you can imagine this has been quite an adjustment for them, they have only ever been in the care of their momma and their grandma. They slowly have come to like the social interaction of daycare, however this new adventure has lead them to new germs. This has lead to several days at home with high fevers and all the yuck that goes with it. Thank goodness for the love and care of Grandma! Colleen has had to miss several days of work to care for her grandsons Thank goodness for supportive and understanding clients! With Erin gone, Gus and Benny have been solely in her care, meaning she is currently their sole provider. As you can imagine travel back and forth to Omaha and several missed work days to care for her grandsons is beginning to take its toll financially. I have created this page in hopes to raise funds to help support Erin, Rya and her family with medical bills, travel expenses, lost wages, child care, and future therapy expenses. Rya, without a doubt has inherited her Momma and Grandma’s strength and resilience! She will fight and overcome all the obstacles she is currently facing and will face in the future! The last month has shown proof of that! Any contribution would be greatly appreciated! Please send love, hugs and prayers to this beautiful family as they navigate through their new normal.