My name is Jordan, and I met Barb through my herbal business. I was immediately drawn to her and her family when she revealed that she had a little boy with severe medical issues inflicted from a medical procedure that he had undergone. I, too, unfortunately, know the extreme pain, anguish, and survival-mode lifestyle that comes with this horrific situation. Feeling like nobody understands what you're going through and even judged at times by people who should be supporting you. Uncomfortable asking for help because you don't want to be a burden to others. It's a lonely, scary place to be, and I am asking that we, as a community, come together to lift this little family up. I had the pleasure of meeting Lucas recently, and his sweet, sparkle of energy in his big blue eyes pierced my heart and left a lasting imprint on it. I want to help this family so bad.

Lucas came to Barb and Cassie out of love from a family that was not able to financially or emotionally support him. Since birth, he's had troubles swallowing and breathing. They took him to the hospital several times but never received answers on what was going on with him. He was allergic to formula, so they relied on breast milk donations, which Barb drove all the way to Wyoming to get, for months. They were extremely grateful for the lady who was kind enough to produce for them. Then they had to rely on goat's milk, which was expensive, but they were grateful to have something he could tolerate. After a medical procedure, Lucas lost all control of the left side of his body. They had to put him in occupational therapy and physical therapy at 11 months. Due to the swallowing issues, he was unable to eat solid foods for months. When he finally started crawling, he was only able to crawl in a circle because he had to drag his left side. Through lots of hard work and love, Lucas began crawling, and then eventually walking at 19 months. Only recently, in the last 6 weeks, has he gained full control of both of his legs while walking. He is currently in speech 2x weekly, occupational therapy 2x weekly, and play therapy 1x weekly.

Lucas also has a rare genetic disorder called 15q11.2 Microdeletion Syndrome and a 2q13 Microdeletion. Lucas's diagnosis is associated with severe neurological symptoms and Autism Spectrum Disorder. The doctors have said that there is a high potential of him having severe neurological issues throughout his life due to the neurological deletion and neurological damage stemming from the procedure that left him unable to use his left side.

All of these things are huge factors in what Lucas's future will look like. These two microdeletions are also associated with heart defects. Barb and Cassie decided to get him tested, which led to the discovery that all of Lucas's breathing and swallowing issues have been coming from a heart defect.

I would like to raise them enough money to cover their travel expenses for a trip to Denver on November 19th, where Lucas will be having heart surgery. Unfortunately, Lucas's surgery is more complicated than the doctors had originally hoped. They will be moving an artery that is located between both of his vocal cords. This is a very rare placement, and this means that Lucas could be without a voice for months, or the operation could permanently change the way his voice sounds. After his surgery, he is expected to endure a weeklong hospital day, including 3 days in the ICU. Then another week out of the hospital, but still in Denver, to monitor Lucas for tears, rips, or movement in anything, make sure his vocal cords are working, and to make sure his scar is properly healing. This means that both Cassie and Barb will be out of work for that whole time and under extra financial stress due to travel costs. They will be flying because Lucas will not be able to sit in a car seat after surgery.

I know how hard it can be to ask for help, especially as a mother who is emotionally spent and has no other choice but to operate in survival mode with little to no sleep. I do believe with my whole heart that they deserve this help, though. This family has already been through so much. In Barb's own words: "We work with Lucas every day, but it's not like it's hard. Even on his worst days, he is just the light of the world to us. Honestly, Lucas gave me a part of my heart back that I didn't think existed. He is the Universe and all of this is terrifying. I couldn't imagine a moment, even a second, without him. I really believe that everything I went through in my life led me right here to him to be his Mama. To give me the patience and the understanding and the strength to go through all this with him."

Please join me in wrapping this family in love and support, even if a prayer, good vibe, or a share is all you are able to offer. There is so much power in people coming together with focused, healing intentions. Thank you so much!!!