Help Baby Kenzo on His Post-NICU Journey Home
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I am reaching out to my community with a heavy heart and hopeful spirit. This GoFundMe is for my beloved nephew Kenzo, who means the world to everyone who has had the joy of knowing him these past months. Kenzo is an incredible young boy with a heart full of courage and determination. My amazing sister Kelly and brother-in-law Nathan have been by his side every step of the way, facing this challenging journey with unwavering strength and love.
Kenzo Austin Young was born on April 4th, 2024, in the Year of the Dragon (4/4/24). Any superstitious person might say he is as blessed as they come. Our family believes he is magic and is destined to change the world, apart from the way he's changing our lives every day. He is our, "Little Dragon." Born three entire months before his due date, weighing just 14 ounces, and with an underdeveloped left hand, Kenzo is a true micro-preemie—the smallest baby we've ever seen. His survival is nothing short of a miracle.
Kenzo’s journey has been one of unimaginable strength and perseverance. Over the past 9 months in the NICU, a child who has never felt the sun on his face, has undergone multiple surgeries and countless procedures. His tiny body has fought through every challenge thrown his way.
To give Kenzo the best chance at recovery, his parents have dedicated themselves fully to his care. They’ve worked tirelessly to balance full-time jobs while spending every free moment by his side. They’ve faced every twist and turn with unshakable love and resilience.
Kenzo’s progress has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since April, Kenzo has gone from a tiny 14 ounces to just passing 15 pounds! This incredible growth is a testament to his strength and the unwavering love and care from his family. Each ounce gained is a victory, and Kenzo continues to amaze us all with his resilience and determination. His journey is filled with milestones, and we are all rooting for him every step of the way.
Kenzo now requires specialized support, including:
- A G-tube, that helps him receive vital nutrients through his stomach.
- A tracheostomy, which enables him to breathe through a tube connected to his throat.
- Specialized care for symbrachydactyly, a rare congenital abnormality in his left hand that will require ongoing specialist visits throughout his childhood.
Despite these challenges, Kenzo continues to grow stronger and happier each day. But the journey ahead is still long and uncertain. We are asking for your support to help alleviate the immense financial burden on Kenzo’s parents.
Every little bit helps, and every dollar brings us closer to giving Kenzo the bright future he is destined for. He is such a lucky baby with such loving and devoted parents.
Your generous donation will go towards:
- ($18,000) In-home nursing care, supplies, and hospital bills toward our out-of-pocket max.
- ($20,000) Outstanding medical debt accrued since Kenzo was born.
- ($10,000+) Support for covering any lost income due to Kelly's reduced work hours. Unfortunately, due to organizational restructuring, Kelly recently lost her full-time hours which has added even more to their plate as they scramble to figure out how to pay their bills, take care of Kenzo, and hunt for more work.
If you’d like to follow Kenzo’s incredible journey, you can read more on his CaringBridge page here: Kenzo's Caring Bridge
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and prayers. In times like this, we are reminded of the strength and love from our community. Please share this campaign with your friends and family to help us reach as many people as possible.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kevin Dao
Organizer
Minneapolis, MN
Kelly Young
Beneficiary