Help Baby Axel Fight for His Life – Support Our NICU Journey

Hello Everyone,

First and foremost, thank you to everyone who has been following our journey, praying for us, and showing love and support. Whether you've been with us from the beginning or are just learning about our story—we are grateful for each and every one of you.

Writing this and asking for help is one of the hardest things we've ever had to do. But right now, we’re in a place where we can’t do this alone.

Our Story

On June 2nd, our precious son Axel was born at just 26 weeks, weighing 1 lb 7 oz and measuring 12 inches long. What was supposed to be a routine OB appointment quickly turned into an emergency. I had severe swelling, dangerously high blood pressure, and was diagnosed with severe preeclampsia. My placenta was failing, Axel wasn’t getting the nutrition he needed, and his heart rate started to drop.

Within minutes, I was rushed into an emergency C-section. After delivery, I was in critical condition. My blood pressure spiked to 206/111, IV lines were failing, and there were moments I didn’t think I’d make it. But by God’s grace, both Axel and I survived.

Axel’s Battle

Axel was transferred to the Small Baby Unit (SBU) in the NICU, where he's been fighting for his life every single day since. His journey has been filled with unimaginable challenges:

NEC (Necrotizing Enterocolitis) – a rare and life-threatening intestinal disease

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia – a chronic lung condition

Severe Jaundice, requiring UV light therapy

ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity) – an eye disease that could affect his vision

Thrombocytopenia – low platelet count from IV nutrition

Major Surgery – Jejunostomy and G-Tube placement

ASD (Atrial Septal Defect) – a hole in his heart

Cholestasis, Metabolic Bone Disease, Cerebral Ventriculomegaly, and more...

Axel’s tiny body has endured more than most adults ever will. And through it all, he continues to fight.

Why We Need Help

Despite having Medicaid and private insurance, we are left with nearly $20,000 in medical bills. Our car is on the verge of breaking down. We’ve applied for aid through every possible channel, but the resources simply aren’t available.

We are doing everything we can. Brian is working, and I try to pick up shifts when possible. But between hospital visits, emergency calls, and caring for our 7-year-old son, we're overwhelmed—physically, emotionally, and financially.

We spend over 6 hours a day at the NICU with Axel. Our older son, Little Brian, is trying to understand why his baby brother can’t come home. He loves Axel deeply and just wants his family whole again.

How You Can Help

If you're able to donate, no amount is too small. Every dollar helps us cover:

Medical bills

Gas and travel to/from the hospital

Basic family needs

Keeping our vehicle running

Making sure we can stay by Axel’s side

Even if you can't give, please consider sharing our story. Prayers, love, and encouragement mean the world to us.

We Believe in Miracles

We believe God has carried us this far for a reason. Axel is a miracle. And we are doing everything in our power to give him the best chance at life.

> “O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.”

— Psalm 136:1

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us in this fight. We love you all.

With love and gratitude,

Rashell, Brian, Little Brian, and Baby Axel

> “The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.”

— Exodus 15:2