Our Story

So many people have asked how they can help, and honestly, we’re still figuring it out. Creating this GoFundMe felt like the best way to navigate this journey together.

Rylee’s story began at birth. She was born via c-section in a breech position, folded in half with her feet by her ears. At 5 months old, an ultrasound of her hips showed no issues. As she started walking, we noticed a slight limp that grew more pronounced over time. We requested an X-Ray which quickly revealed that her right hip was completely dislocated. Rylee was diagnosed with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH). Her hip socket developed too shallow to hold her femur in place.

The Road Ahead

To correct this, Rylee will undergo a pretty invasive surgery. The surgeon will reconstruct her hip socket to securely hold her femur. Depending on what’s found during surgery, they may also need to reshape her femur and/or adjust ligaments and tendons. The procedure will take 3–4 hours, followed by at least one night in the hospital. This surgery is vital for her future mobility and is scheduled for February 4, 2025, pending insurance approval.

Recovery and Challenges

Recovery will be really tough as Rylee will be completely immobile. She will be in a spica cast from her belly button down her right leg and partially down her left leg for a minimum of 6 weeks. We’ll need to transition back to diapers during this time. (Try explaining that to a recently potty trained toddler). Danielle will take unpaid leave from work to be Rylee’s primary caregiver.

We’ll need to get a custom car seat to accommodate her cast, as well as adaptive seating, eating, and sleeping solutions for home. After 6 weeks they will evaluate her progress and either keep her in the spica cast or switch her to a cast that goes from her belly button and half down both legs, but keeps her in the butterfly position to ensure healing. Once she is healed enough to be out of the hard cast, she’ll transition to a brace and start her journey to re-gain mobility. She’ll be monitored closely during this time.

How You Can Help

This journey will be long and challenging, but we’re determined to see Rylee through. Your prayers, positive thoughts, and support mean more than we can express.

If you’re able to contribute, your generosity will help us cover medical costs, adaptive equipment, and daily living expenses while Danielle is out of work.

Thank you for being part of Rylee’s story.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10