Drakes Omphalocele Journey

Hello, my name is Sharon Niece and I am the mother of Ashley and Mother-in-law to Davin Adkins. Early in Ashely's pregnancy the doctors seen something concerning and sent them to Lexington for more tests. The doctors found a defect with his abdominal wall. Unsure of exactly which defect it could be, they sent them to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. She had many tests to figure out exactly what was going on. They found that Drake has a giant omphalocele. This is when his organs didn’t make it into his belly. There are many organs sticking out of his belly, which could make his little belly not grow to the size it needs to be. This can be fixed and the doctors in Cincinnati are well trained in this type of situation.

We have learned that babies with an omphalocele can eventually live normal lives. After their meeting with Cincinnati, they have set up a care and birth plan. Ashley will deliver in Cincinnati so drake will have a great team of doctors looking after him. Once he’s born, he will go into the NICU, to make sure he’s stable. He will eventually have surgery to put his organs back into his little belly. It will be a long journey for Drake but we know he will be strong and make it out of this.

This is definitely not how they thought pregnancy and birth would go. They have stayed strong and positive during all of this. Ashley will relocate to Cincinnati to stay sometime in early December, Davin will be traveling back and forth between Richmond and Cincinnati to continue working until Drake is born. They we will stay until Drake is stable and ready to come home. Doctors cannot give them a timeframe how long that will be.

Many of you have wanted to help them out financially and this is one of the easiest, safest ways to do that. As of right now they haven't been approved for the Ronald McDonald House. They will be able to stay there once a spot becomes available. Until then they will have to stay in an Extended Stay and pay for daily meals. This will be a burden for them but so many people have wanted to help and we are so thankful for their Family & Friends such as you.