Rally Around Ryan: Support for the Norris Family
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My sister Marianne and her husband Jason were blessed with their perfect, beautiful son Ryan on December 20th, 2019, three months earlier than expected. Although they knew Ryan had a serious condition which would require time in the NICU, the extent of its severity soon became apparent. He was diagnosed with Esophageal Atresia, a birth defect in which part of a baby’s esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) does not develop properly; unfortunately, he has the particularly rare and severe Type B. This condition is incompatible with life unless corrected surgically.
In the months since his birth, Ryan has undergone dozens of surgeries and procedures. Surgeons were able to repair the proximal tracheoesophageal fistula, but made no significant headway with the atresia. The decision was made to seek care from the top experts on EA, which meant that Ryan and his mom were heading to Boston!
Correcting Ryan's EA is the only goal and the only thing that matters. If it means Ryan can finally come home to his own crib and start his life outside of the hospital, his parents will do whatever needs to be done. For my sister, that meant saying "see y'all later" to Jason, her job, and her life in Texas and going where she was needed, to Boston with her son.
This move was not without its challenges, financially and logistically. She, Ryan, and his care team had to leave on basically a few hours notice, and with only one carry-on each of their belongings. While Marianne’s living arrangements are largely covered by insurance, the incidentals are not. Without her salary, it will become increasingly difficult to cover bills and other related costs, at home and in Boston. Jason, who had to say goodbye to his wife and son under such difficulty circumstances, will remain in Texas as the sole wage-earner.
Marianne and Jason will do what is in Ryan's best interest, full stop. The sacrifices they're making aren't sacrifices at all because they're a necessity. But without her job for however long she and Ryan are in Boston, the family can use some help. The little things like an Uber ride to and from the hospital in inclement weather, Marianne’s appropriate clothes for Boston, and the odd Dunkin' Donut are at the outer edges of the budget, as it is.
Please consider donating as little or much as you're able to help the Norris family through this unanticipated hardship. Ryan is his parents' only priority, and it will be nice if they don't have to worry as much about finances during this time.
Thank you tremendously to her school family, who together collected money and individually held a fundraiser of which the proceeds went to the grateful Norrises, and to everyone who has helped along the way. The baby shower gifts sent by family and friends, donations, every last call, message, and prayer, have been much appreciated and will never be forgotten.
Thank you and God bless Ryan, his family, and everyone who follows along on his journey.
In the months since his birth, Ryan has undergone dozens of surgeries and procedures. Surgeons were able to repair the proximal tracheoesophageal fistula, but made no significant headway with the atresia. The decision was made to seek care from the top experts on EA, which meant that Ryan and his mom were heading to Boston!
Correcting Ryan's EA is the only goal and the only thing that matters. If it means Ryan can finally come home to his own crib and start his life outside of the hospital, his parents will do whatever needs to be done. For my sister, that meant saying "see y'all later" to Jason, her job, and her life in Texas and going where she was needed, to Boston with her son.
This move was not without its challenges, financially and logistically. She, Ryan, and his care team had to leave on basically a few hours notice, and with only one carry-on each of their belongings. While Marianne’s living arrangements are largely covered by insurance, the incidentals are not. Without her salary, it will become increasingly difficult to cover bills and other related costs, at home and in Boston. Jason, who had to say goodbye to his wife and son under such difficulty circumstances, will remain in Texas as the sole wage-earner.
Marianne and Jason will do what is in Ryan's best interest, full stop. The sacrifices they're making aren't sacrifices at all because they're a necessity. But without her job for however long she and Ryan are in Boston, the family can use some help. The little things like an Uber ride to and from the hospital in inclement weather, Marianne’s appropriate clothes for Boston, and the odd Dunkin' Donut are at the outer edges of the budget, as it is.
Please consider donating as little or much as you're able to help the Norris family through this unanticipated hardship. Ryan is his parents' only priority, and it will be nice if they don't have to worry as much about finances during this time.
Thank you tremendously to her school family, who together collected money and individually held a fundraiser of which the proceeds went to the grateful Norrises, and to everyone who has helped along the way. The baby shower gifts sent by family and friends, donations, every last call, message, and prayer, have been much appreciated and will never be forgotten.
Thank you and God bless Ryan, his family, and everyone who follows along on his journey.
Organisateur et bénéficiaire
Rebecca Keen
Organisateur
Wilmington, DE
Marianne Norris
Bénéficiaire