Help the Reyes Family During This Challenging Time

Hi, my name is Rachel and I am the proud sister of Sarah Reyes and aunt of Lucia Reyes. Lucia was born August 1st, 2024 and is the second child of Javier & Sarah Reyes. Javier and Sarah are both local teachers and active members of the church and our community. Their daughter Lucia was born one month premature and with a rare genetic condition. 

After Lucia's early arrival she spent time in the NICU at the University of Iowa Hospital for respiratory failure and procedures/testing in connection with her genetic condition. After three weeks of testing and monitoring by amazing doctors in Iowa City they were allowed to bring Lucia home. Unfortunately home didn't last long, as a short time later, she experienced a respiratory episode where she was unable to breathe. Lucia was once again admitted to the University of Iowa Children's Hospital for further monitoring and testing. Since then she's gone though hundreds of blood draws, numerous tests, and procedure upon procedure. Ultimately it was determined that as a result of Lucias genetic condition her tongue was oversized (Macroglossia), and a reduction operation would be needed. 

During the initial procedure attempt surgeons found abnormal arteries on the tongue where muscular tissue was supposed to be. This resulted in the postponement of surgery until they could get a clear plan on how to move forward and means more time in the hospital hooked up to tubes, intubated, and unable to be held.

During this time Sarah has remained in Iowa City while Javier has traveled back and forth, spending time at home caring for their two year old son and working to bring in income, while frequently driving over 90 minutes each way to see his wife and newborn daughter. 

It has been determined that with an additional procedure they will move forward with Lucia's tongue reduction. She will spend time in the PICU and remain for further monitoring as she recovers. Lucia has a long road ahead of her and will need additional genetic monitoring with the possibility of further future diagnosis.

The Reyes family has faced the storm head on but they are in need now more than ever for the community to rally around them. The costs incurred on gas, food, and necessities have been immense. It is my hope for this GoFundMe to help alleviate some of these costs and ease the burden of past, present, and future medical bills accumulating quickly.

We may be a small community but we have always had a big heart. Any contributions help greatly and if you are unable to donate please share, talk to your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers. Spread the message about this amazing family who needs our help.