Meet the family behind this journey: Rachel and Jacob, devoted parents who are navigating the highs and lows of this season with incredible strength. They are joined by Reagan, the proud big sister who has been waiting with open arms to welcome her newest best friend, baby sister Scarlett. Together, they are a tight-knit unit of four, leaning on one another and their community as they focus on getting little Scarlett healthy and home.

On March 6, 2026, our world changed forever with the arrival of our beautiful daughter, Scarlett. She had to be airlifted from Grinnell to the University of Iowa for specialized, life-saving care. While her birth brought us immeasurable joy, it also began a journey we never could have anticipated. Scarlett was born with a soft palate cleft, a condition that has already presented significant challenges for her in these first few weeks of life. Upon arrival to the University, a CT scan revealed a recessed jaw that required immediate intervention, leading to her Mandibular Distraction surgery on March 23rd. The days that followed were some of the hardest we’ve ever faced; Scarlett was medically paralyzed for seven days to allow her body to begin healing, followed by a grueling fourteen-day process of turning the surgical pins. She is a tiny warrior, but the road is still long as she is currently being slowly and carefully weaned off three different pain medications. Watching her fight through each milestone has been both heartbreaking and inspiring, and we are so grateful for the expert care keeping her safe during this delicate recovery. As we navigate the road to Scarlett’s recovery, we are reaching out for support to help manage the medical expenses and specialized care she needs. Any contribution, no matter the size, helps us provide Scarlett with the future she deserves and brings us one step closer to seeing her thrive. Thank you for being part of Scarlett's village.