Donation protected
Bond Ryan Kennedy was born on Thursday, September 9th at 11:54 pm. This sweet boy was born with TEF, a birth defect where the esophagus is not connected to the stomach.
For TEF babies, a common gap between the esophagus to the stomach is 2-3 cms, Bond's is unfortunately 3.5-4 cms. Unfortunately, Bond's time in the NICU has not gone smoothly, he has had two unsuccessful surgeries which have caused other complications, illnesses, etc. After extensive thought, prayer, and discussion, the Kennedys decided to transfer Bond from St. David's Medical Center in Austin Texas to Boston Children's in Boston, Massachusetts, where they are specialists in TEF surgeries.
In Boston, Bond will likely have several surgeries to lengthen his esophagus so that it can eventually be attached to his stomach. The Kennedys could have to live in Boston for the next 6-12 months, depending on how the surgeries and recovery goes.
If you have been following the Kennedy's journey of pregnancy and days in the NICU, you know it's been a wild ride for this sweet family.
We want to help lessen their load by taking care of:
- Medical expenses (will post updates when we get more clear numbers)
- Moving costs - they rented an apartment & minimally furnished it to have a sense of normalcy while they're far from home. & to bring along their emotional support zoo (the doggos and Stucco)
- Cost of meals to the hospital so they don't have to worry about cooking
- Flights for when they need to go between Austin and Boston (especially if Brandon has to return to work after several months).
For more detailed updates on Bond and the Kennedy family, please visit their CaringBridge website which will be updated more regularly: We will post a link here soon.
As for a timeline, the sooner the funds can get to the Kennedy's the better - they will want to secure a place to live ASAP, potentially get a rental vehicle or ship their car to Boston, will book several flights to get all the logistics figured out between Austin and Boston, and to help cover the cost of meals so that they can stay fueled and focused on caring for their son.
We will need your help in spreading Bond's story - please share! Every gift helps. Even $20 helps get a step closer to the goal. Every donation is a blessing.
Thank you!
Organizer and beneficiary
Kasey Werner
Organizer
Austin, TX
Rebecca Bond Kennedy
Beneficiary