Help Dylan and Destiny with Athena's Medical Costs

Hi everyone,

Two short months ago, Dylan and Destiny welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Athena, into the world. Right now, their family is fighting to stay strong at Children’s Hospital, as Athena has been transferred between hospitals and in and out of care for over a week. What started as a case of RSV has quickly escalated into life-threatening health issues. While doctors are working tirelessly to address Athena’s condition, Dylan and Destiny have stayed by her side, living in the hospital with her throughout this challenging time. Given the extended hospital stays and two ambulance rides, our work family has decided to create this GoFundMe page to help ease the financial burden they’re facing. These challenges have deeply impacted their family and touched all of us in different ways. Now is the time for us to come together, show our support, and help alleviate the medical costs they’re encountering.

If you are able to donate or help spread the word, it will mean the world to our work family. Dylan and Destiny are two incredible people who are even more incredible parents, and they need our support now more than ever.

Here is a statement from the family and updates on Athena's journey:

On Thursday 02-20 Athena was taken to Banner Estrella emergency for RSV symptoms, she appeared to have a hard time breathing and her chest was caving. Her and her brother Xander were already diagnosed with RSV earlier in the week by their Pediatrician. After being evaluated the ER doctor said all of her vitals were good. She was released, the Doctor told Dylan and Destiny at 2:00 if she gets any worse to take her to Phoenix Children Network.

The same evening on Thursday into the early morning Friday Athena chest began to concave even more with wheezing and whistling with her breaths. She was taken to Phoenix Children emergency in Avondale. After an evaluation she was transported by ambulance to PCH Arrowhead for RSV.

After being placed on monitors in the early afternoon it was noticed Athena was having heart rates that were spiking to over 300. On 02-21 this happened 4 times. On this day the Doctors were calling this SVT.

On Saturday 02-22, Athena took a turn for the worse. Her breathing began to shallow from the RSV, her hear rate dropped drastically, and she was unable to breath on her own any longer. At this time she was sedated and intubated. She was given a feeding tube for nourishment, Dylan and Destiny had hit a low. They were no longer able to pick up their baby girl. They were only able to talk to her to let her know they were there praying for her to rest and heal.

Athenas hear rate spiked again, Doctors are running test, X-ray, and blood to see what is happening to her heart.

Sunday 02-23, Athena stayed stable. She was given to much medication by her overnight nurse. This was explained to Dylan and Destiny by the Doctor. Fortunately Athena had some angels watching over her as she was able to handle it.

Monday 02-24, The Doctors said that Athena is reacting really well to the new heart medicine. As she grows they will change her dosage. The X-rays on her heart came back good and they do not see any abnormalities with her heart. She is doing well just trying to fight the RSV.

A little while later the Doctor stopped by to let Dylan and Destiny know that their insurance was ‘Out of Network’, that Athena will not be covered at the hospital. Andrea (Dylan’s mom) met the kids at the hospital and Angela (Destiny’s Mom) got on the phone with them. Both moms familiar with insurance walked them through the steps to take. The insurance company currently has it under review on whether this will be paid. Even if it is covered only 80% is through most insurance companies.

Tuesday 02-25 Athena had her normal visit from the Doctor, the respiratory nurse had passed along to the Doctor that she was looking great. They are ready to start lowering the amount of oxygen she is getting, if she does well with that then she will be removed from the ventilator on Wednesday. She must stay on an antibiotic at this time in case any bacteria or infections could start.

Doctors discuss with Dylan and Destiny a little more about Athena’s heart. The meds seem to be working, what has happened is not damaging her heart, it is called ‘Wolff Parkinson’s White Syndrome’ this causes her to go into SVT.

Wednesday 02-26, the Doctor said Athena is doing great they dropped her oxygen down even more today, they even tried to see if she can breath on here own and she is able to do it. Plans are to remove all tubes by noon today. They will put a nasal tube for air flow.

At 3:00 everything was removed and Athena is finally back in the arms of her Mom after 5 long days!!!

Today Xander who is staying with his Grandparents (Angela and Andy) was not feeling well. Angela took him to be looked at, after getting over RSV he now has an ear infection poor guy.

Thursday 02-27, Athena is using her voice and letting everyone know she is at PCH, she does not like being suctioned. She is doing well.

Friday 02-28, Athena received her meds for her heart at 4 am, by 5 am her rate went into SVT this time it lasted 30 minutes. The decision was made that she was safe to move from PCH Arrowhead to PCH main campus, so Athena and her mom were put in an ambulance again this time to the main Children’s hospital.