Help Baby Robert Heal His Brain During His Critical Window

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$7,650 raised of $38K

Help Baby Robert Heal His Brain During His Critical Window

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Robert survived a viral brain infection that injured his brain.
Because he is still a baby, his brain has a rare ability to rewire and heal — but only for a short time.
NAPA intensive therapy will change the course of his entire life.

Our Story

My name is Amanda, and I am Robert’s mom.

Robert is one of my twin boys, born on May 2025. After just nine days at home in newborn bliss, our world changed when Robert contracted a viral infection that spread to his brain, causing encephalitis. MRI and EEG testing confirmed injuries to specific areas of his brain, and for several terrifying weeks, Robert fought for his life.

He survived.
Now we are fighting for how he will live.


What We’ve Done So Far

Since coming home, we have been relentless.

Robert receives Early Intervention, along with physical and occupational therapy multiple days each week. We have followed every recommendation and committed fully to his care.

Despite this, Robert is still showing signs that his affected arm will not function normally without far more intensive intervention. Even with multiple sessions per week, standard therapy alone has not been enough to change this trajectory.


Why Timing Changes Everything

Because Robert is still a baby, his brain is in its most powerful phase of neuroplasticity — the ability to form new pathways and reorganize around injury.

This window is strongest in the first two years of life, and what we do right now will directly shape his future.


Why NAPA’s Intensive Neuro-Rehabilitation Is Necessary

That is why Robert’s care team has recommended a drastic, early, and intensive neuro-rehabilitation approach — one designed specifically to activate neuroplasticity during this narrow developmental window.

Beginning January 5th, Robert will start a series of six to ten intensive neuro-rehabilitation sessions, each providing concentrated, daily therapy far beyond what traditional outpatient services can offer. These intensives are designed to build on one another, compounding progress over time.

In addition to improving the function we can already see, these intensives are critical because they help rewire neural pathways related to potential future deficits that have not yet fully manifested. By intervening early — before certain challenges appear — this therapy aims to reduce the likelihood and severity of future impairments as Robert grows and develops.


Why Fundraising?

NAPA is not covered by insurance, despite strong evidence that early, high-frequency therapy can significantly improve outcomes for infants with brain injury.

— leaving families to self-fund these critical interventions.

We are raising $38,000 to help cover:
• Six to ten NAPA intensive neuro-rehabilitation sessions
• Specialized daily therapy hours during each intensive

This amount reflects the real cost of giving Robert sustained access to the level of care required not only to address current challenges, but also to proactively prevent future deficits and give him the best possible chance at full function.

Our boy is resilient, strong beyond measure and has already beaten so many odds. We have full faith that NAPA is the missing puzzle piece to our boy making a full recovery and will never face a life of his brain injuries defeating him.

How You Can Help

Every donation — no matter the size — directly improves Robert’s odds.

If you are unable to donate, sharing this page is just as powerful. The more people who see Robert’s story, the more chance he has to overcome.


From Our Hearts

Robert is the strongest person I know. He has already overcome more than most people do in a lifetime.

With the right intensive therapy, at the right time, his future can still be wide open.

Thank you for standing with us, for sharing, and for helping give Robert the best possible chance.
With deep gratitude,
Amanda

Organizer

Amanda Marquis
Organizer
Swampscott, MA
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