Help Support the Pratap Family: Rye's Journey

Dear Friends, Family, the Community of St. Albert, and Kind Strangers,

Your support for the Pratap family means the world to us, and we are reaching out in hopes of lightening the financial burden they are facing during an incredibly difficult time.

I am writing on behalf of our dear friends, Nicole and Nathan Pratap, and their two sons, Niko and Rye. Their family brightens the St. Albert community through their family-owned restaurant, Cerdo Tacos and Tequila. They've always provided support and mentorship to our neighbouring family business, and now, as they face the unimaginable with their son Rye's diagnosis, we hope to support them in return.

Rye Desmond Pratap was born on June 5th, 2024, and faced complications during birth, which led to a 19-day stay in the NICU. He struggled with breathing and feeding from the start. After only a few months at home, Rye became seriously ill and again was admitted to the Stollery Children’s Hospital in the fall for extended stays. It was during this time that Nicole and Nathan pushed for further testing. The results were heartbreaking: an MRI revealed that Rye has an underdeveloped cerebellum and an abnormal brain stem. Additional genetic testing confirmed that Rye has MICPCH and an ultra-rare genetic mutation called CASK. Only 270 children in the world have been diagnosed with this syndrome, and there is currently no cure.

This condition requires intensive care and ongoing therapies. Most children with MICPCH are unable to speak, and those few who have gained the ability to walk and feed themselves could only do so after beginning early intervention therapies. Time is critical, and Rye’s family is determined to give him the best chance for a better quality of life. However, any potential government funding is months, if not years, away, and private insurance does not cover the therapies Rye needs.

The funds raised here will go directly towards covering the costs of essential therapies and interventions, including but not limited to:

• Neuro Recovery Services

• Chiropractic Care

• Massage Therapy

• Occupational Therapy

• Physical Therapy

• Speech Therapy

• Vision Therapy (Behavioral Optometry)

• Aquatic Therapy

• Potential out-of-country procedures

Nicole and Nathan have already exhausted their savings and resources, including taking extended leaves from work, in order to support Rye's care. The financial challenges they are facing are overwhelming, and every dollar raised will go directly to Rye’s ongoing treatments and care.

Your generosity, in any amount, is deeply appreciated. If you're unable to donate, sharing this story with others will make a huge difference. Thank you for your support, your kindness, and your thoughts and prayers for Rye during this incredibly difficult time.

With gratitude,

Jarrett & Brittany Delaney