Help Us Stay by Jalen’s Side During His Recovery

Help Us Stay by Jalen’s Side During His Recovery

Our hearts are heavy, but full of hope.

As many of you know, our baby boy Jalen has been through more in the past few weeks than most people go through in a lifetime. In May, he was diagnosed with three rare brain malformations that caused uncontrollable seizures. Despite being on four different medications, his seizures wouldn’t stop. Doctors told us he had drug-resistant epilepsy, and the only real option left was brain surgery.

On Friday, June 13, Jalen underwent a major surgery to remove the right parietal lobe of his brain, the area where his seizures were starting. It was the hardest days of our lives, handing our baby over for something so serious… I can still see him looking over the nurses shoulder at me wondering why I wasn’t going with him. His surgery lasted from 7:00am to 5:30pm. We couldn’t wait to finally see our boy!

We thought the worst was behind us. But just three days later, on Monday, Jalen began having seizures again.

He had to go through another 24-hour EEG, which was incredibly painful for him with a fresh incision on his head. Then on Tuesday, he had to go under anesthesia for another MRI. As he was waking up, the absolute worst thing that could happen to a parent happened, he stopped breathing and became unresponsive.

We were absolutely helpless as my baby laid lifeless right in front of us, all I could do was shout over and over “In the name of Jesus please father God cover my son.” The medical team resuscitated Jalen within I believe a minute or two which felt like the longest minute of my life. It was the most terrifying moment of our lives.

He is now stable and this morning he showed us the little fighter he is smiling, alert, and full of spirit. We are still waiting on MRI results, but we’re hopeful and trusting in God’s plan.

This has been the most difficult journey of our lives. All we want is to stay home and care for Jalen full-time during his recovery to comfort him, watch over him, and give him the love and healing space he needs.

But like many families, we are facing the reality of bills, rent, and daily expenses that don’t pause just because our lives have.

That’s why we are humbly asking for help.

Anything given will go directly to helping us stay afloat financially while we care for our little guy during this crucial healing time. Any amount, no matter how small, is deeply appreciated. And if you can’t give, please pray and lift us up, God is still good and will always be good! He hears our prayers and we have encountered him countless times and are completely surrounded by his presence in the midst of it all. Sharing this is also another way that is super helpful.

Thank you for loving us, praying for us, and standing with us.

With all our hearts,

The Valencia Family