**Meet Jayse: A Miracle in Motion**

Jayse is pure joy wrapped in an 11-year-old body. Smart, funny, and radiating happiness despite every challenge thrown his way, he's the kind of kid who lights up a room with his spirit. But Jayse's journey began with unimaginable heartbreak.

**A Tragic Beginning, An Incredible Bond**

On February 12, 2015, Jayse entered this world under the most devastating circumstances. His mother Niki's heart stopped, leaving both mother and baby without oxygen for 16-20 minutes. Niki was brain dead at Jayse's birth and never got to meet the son she carried. She passed away 12 days later, leaving behind a tiny fighter who wasn't expected to survive.

That's when I stepped in. As Niki's family, I became Jayse's guardian, and he became my whole world - the last precious piece of Nik I'll ever have. Our bond runs deeper than words can express.

**Defying Every Expectation**

Doctors told us to take Jayse home and make him comfortable. Instead, this incredible kid proved them all wrong. Despite severe HIE (hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy) and spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, Jayse is thriving in 4th grade. He may be non-mobile and non-verbal, but he communicates brilliantly using yes/no buttons. He has a trach and feeding tube, plus moderate hearing loss, but none of that dims his bright personality.

**The Challenge We Face Now**

Jayse has developed scoliosis with a dangerous 45-degree curvature that's causing respiratory distress and affecting his heart and bowel function. He needs spinal fusion surgery - a complex procedure that will require an extended recovery period in Iowa City.

I'll need to take time off work to care for him during this critical time. While we're away for surgery and recovery, I'll still need to maintain our household expenses back home, creating a significant financial strain during an already stressful period.

**How You Can Help**

Your support will help cover lost income and essential expenses while I focus entirely on Jayse's healing and recovery. Every contribution - whether $5 or $500 - helps ensure this amazing kid gets the surgery he needs to breathe easier and continue defying expectations.

Jayse has already overcome so much. With your help, we can get him through this next challenge and back to being the joyful, brilliant boy who makes everyone around him smile.

**Thank you for considering a donation to support Jayse's journey.**