Help Frankie Get Life-Saving Intestinal Surgery with a Specialized Surgeon

Fundraising Goal: $15,000

While Frankie’s medical care has been approved by insurance, the costs associated with getting him to the right specialists are significant and not covered. As a single mom traveling with a medically complex child, these funds will help cover:

• Flights or long-distance travel to Nebraska

• Lodging near the hospital during surgery and recovery

• Travel and lodging for a nurse who must accompany Frankie

• Transporting essential medical equipment and supplies

• Meals and extended stay costs during hospitalization

Frankie's Story

My son Frankie has spent his short life fighting battles most people never see.

Frankie and his twin brother were born prematurely at 28 weeks. At birth, Frankie weighed just 1 pound 8 ounces. In those early days in the NICU, he was already fighting to survive.

Shortly after he was born, Frankie developed Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), a devastating and life-threatening intestinal disease that primarily affects premature babies. In Frankie’s case, the disease caused multiple severe intestinal perforations, meaning parts of his bowel ruptured. Several surgeries later that required removal of large portions of his damaged intestine, Frankie now lives with Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS). This means his body does not have enough healthy intestine to properly absorb the nutrients, fluids, and electrolytes he needs to survive.

To keep him healthy and growing, Frankie relies on specialized IV nutrition delivered through a central line in his chest. This life-sustaining nutrition replaces what his intestine cannot absorb on its own and requires careful daily medical management.

Now Frankie needs another major intestinal surgery to give him the best chance at improving his health and long-term future.

Why We Need to Travel for Care

Recently we received hopeful news: insurance has approved Frankie to travel to Nebraska to be evaluated and treated by Dr. David Mercer and the intestinal rehabilitation team at Nebraska Medicine.

This program is one of the few in the country dedicated to treating intestinal failure and short bowel syndrome. Their team includes surgeons, gastroenterologists, nutrition specialists, and other experts who focus specifically on helping patients whose intestines cannot properly absorb nutrients and fluids.

Their goal is to maximize intestinal function and reduce dependence on IV nutrition whenever possible, using specialized medical therapies and complex surgical techniques.

Programs like this are rare.

Here in Salt Lake City, Frankie currently only has access to a general pediatric surgeon. While we are grateful for the care he has received locally, Frankie’s condition requires the expertise of a gastrointestinal surgeon who specializes in intestinal failure and complex bowel reconstruction.

Frankie’s care team here has told me something I will never forget:

“You really only get one shot to go in and get this right.”

The surgery Frankie needs is high-stakes and life-threatening, and the outcome could shape the rest of his life. That’s why it is so important for him to be treated by a team that performs these surgeries regularly. Being evaluated and treated by Dr. David Mercer could give Frankie the best possible chance at a healthier future.

Meet Frankie

Beyond the diagnoses and medical equipment, Frankie is a bright, determined little boy who loves being part of everything around him. He lights up when people talk to him, enjoys books and music, and works incredibly hard in therapy to learn the skills most toddlers pick up naturally.

Frankie also has a twin brother, Henry, who is his biggest cheerleader. While their medical journeys look very different, their bond fills our home with laughter, energy, and the kind of sibling love only twins seem to share.

Frankie has already overcome more than most people will face in a lifetime. As his mom, I want to give him every opportunity possible to grow, learn, and experience the world.

How You Can Help

Families of medically complex children often have to travel across the country to find the right expertise. This opportunity gives Frankie access to a team that focuses entirely on intestinal failure and short bowel syndrome, and that kind of specialized care could make a life-changing difference for him.

If you feel moved to help, any donation helps us take the next step toward getting Frankie the surgery and care he needs.

If donating isn’t possible, sharing Frankie’s story means the world to us.

Amanda