At 23 weeks pregnant, my husband Andrew and I found out that our son would be born without a tibia (Shinbones) in both legs. Upon birth, it was discovered that our son, Braylen, was born without a tibia in one leg and a partial tibia in the other. This is a rare congenital condition called bilateral tibial hemimelia, a one in a million rarity. No child should have to know whats it is like to be born without the ability to run or walk. By contributing to his care, you are helping children across the world with theirs. This will help with ending congenital deformities for  other children as more research is made. We will be continuing to go to Shriner's, a children's research hospital, which helps other children like him. In the future, Shriner's has advised we will need his left leg to be amputated but we can save his right leg! He will need to be fit with prosthetics for his left leg and a device called an external fixator on his right leg. This is only covered at 80 percent through insurance.  As he grows, we want our little boy to run and play like the rest of kids his age will be able to. We are going to Shriner's again in Philadelphia, PA for his first surgery on June 5th, 2018. Shriner's does not cover any of the health care (but are very flexible with payments). Since we are in Virginia Beach, VA, this will require us to stay overnight and pay for travel expenses like lodging, gas, and toll road costs. This is also not covered by Shriner's. We have to make multiple trips there (for at least 3 surgeries and follow up appointments) which can be costly. Our son is a happy-go-lucky guy and anything donated will go 100% towards his care and expenses associated with his care such as doctor's visits and medical devices. Please share with friends and family. Even a dollar can go a long way. Not only are you helping him walk, your donation helps with researching so that no child has to know what it's like to not have functioning legs.
Braylen with his AFO
Braylen's casts
Braylen's legs (left facing has partial tibia sticking out of his leg, and right leg facing is missing tibia)
Our family courtesy of Maria Jaws photography
Courtesy of Maria Jaws photography