Baby Reece's Medical Fund

Steven Reece Hartley was born on June 17th, 2015. He was 10lbs & 20.25 inches long.  At 17 weeks of gestation we found out that he would be born with a cleft lip and palate. Since birth he has been battling weight issues. He immediately lost a pound within his first two weeks and has struggled gaining ever since. Born into the 50th percentile on the growth chart and dropping to the 9th percentile in twelve weeks resulted in being pronounced 'failure to thrive.' Though we thought his weight issues were cleft related he was later diagnosed with acid reflux at two weeks & a heart murmur at ten weeks old.  At 12 weeks, Reece only weighed 11lbs 5oz. Because of his cleft he requires a special feeding valve placed inside the nipple of his bottle. He takes prescription medications for his acid reflux and also requires special formula. This formula is strong and his stomach cannot handle it solely, therefore he requires the mixture of two different types of formula. Since he is not gaining weight properly we have doubled the amount of formula per ounce to increase his calorie intake. The gastroenterologist believes this will help yet if it fails, Reece will require a feeding tube. We hope that once his lip is repaired he will be able to eat sufficiently and gain weight properly, however the reflux & heart murmur issues may be involved yet there is no way to confirm this theory.

Since birth, Reece has been to multiple doctors, sometimes having up to three appointments a week. We have seen his pediatrician every two weeks for weight checks & routine visits, had appointments with his oral surgeon, a team of nutritionists, speech pathologist, feeding specialist, gastroenterologist, & cardiovascular team all of which require traveling from Tuscaloosa to Birmingham. Reece has had many lab tests as well as a swallowing assessment, EDG and echocardiogram.

Even with so many complications, we have been blessed with a wonderfully happy baby boy. He loves playing under his jungle gym, watching Sesame Street & holding his Lucy dog. He is very attentive and enjoys direct interaction with anyone willing to talk to him. Tummy time is his favorite activity and bath time is his least favorite. Mommy loves the smell of baby lotion but Baby Reece does not like for her to put it on him.

We thank each and everyone for your support. Please share Baby Reece’s story so we can further the process of his wellbeing and keep our family in your prayers.