Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out today to ask for your support for a dear friend of mine and her family, who are facing a difficult journey following the birth of their daughter, Hazel.

Hazel was born on October 16, and shortly after her birth, she was diagnosed with hydrocephalus—fluid on the brain. She was immediately airlifted to Children’s Hospital, where she received critical care. After several tests and consultations with the neurology team, it was determined that Hazel would need surgery to address the fluid buildup in her brain. Just days after being born, Hazel underwent the surgery, and it was during this procedure that doctors discovered a malformation in her brainstem. This led to a diagnosis of Diencephalic-Mesencephalic Junction Dysplasia (DMJD), a rare and complex disorder affecting only 1 in 10,000 births. The exact prognosis for Hazel remains uncertain, as the symptoms and severity of this disorder can vary significantly from one individual to another. Only time will tell how it will impact her development.

Hazel is surrounded by a deeply loving and supportive family—her parents, four sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, all of whom are rallying around her. Her mother, Ashley, is recovering from a C-section and trying to manage her own emotional and physical healing while coping with the grief and uncertainty of Hazel’s diagnosis. In addition to this, Ashley is the mother of four other young daughters, all under the age of 10, and her husband travels for work during the week. While their grandmother plays a pivotal role in helping care for the children, this family is facing a tremendous emotional and physical adjustment, and it will take time for them to find their new normal.

To help ease some of the burden, I’m organizing a fundraiser to provide support for their immediate needs. Specifically, we want to raise funds for meal prep, food delivery, and nourishing meals during this time. As a new mom, it’s already hard enough to care for your family, and the last thing Ashley needs right now is the added stress of planning and preparing meals for a large family. Having meals delivered or prepped would allow her to focus on Hazel, herself, and her other children without the added pressure of feeding everyone.

In addition to meal support, any extra funds raised will be used to help the family with Hazel’s medical needs, as they navigate the many unknowns ahead. This could include necessary baby items, medical supplies, or anything else that can help lighten the load during this challenging time.

If you’re able to contribute in any way—whether through a donation, sharing this message, or offering words of encouragement—your support will mean the world to them.

Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and generosity during this incredibly difficult time.

With gratitude,

Elizabeth