Baby Keira was born on June 22, 2024, in Miramichi, New Brunswick, to Chris and Jill McNeil, weighing 4 lbs, 12 oz. Due to her small size, she was carefully examined, revealing breathing issues and concerns with her eyes. Keira was placed on oxygen (CPAP) and airlifted to Moncton Hospital, where further tests showed coloboma in both eyes, small kidneys, an enlarged liver, and two holes in her heart. On July 3rd, after 10 days in the NICU, her breathing worsened, leading to another CPAP treatment and transfer to Halifax IWK Children's Hospital. There, the cardiology team determined that one heart hole (PDA) was causing fluid buildup in her lungs, requiring medication that successfully closed the hole.

Keira was later diagnosed with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting 1 in 50,000 live births, caused by a deletion in the 4th chromosome. This explained her small size, feeding difficulties, and various health issues with her heart, kidneys, and eyes. The syndrome also presents distinct facial features, muscle tone weakness, cognitive development delays, and a high risk of seizures.

Chris and Jill, parents to four other children, faced significant challenges with Keira’s care, traveling long distances between hospitals and home. After 4 weeks in the NICU, the family decided to relocate from rural New Brunswick to Edmonton, Alberta, to access the ongoing medical support Keira needs, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. They plan to move on September 21, 2024, and need assistance with the relocation costs, including travel, shipping, and accommodations.