Rally for Rory, A Little Fighter’s Ultimate Battle

Help Baby Rory Fight for His Life

On April 27, their world changed forever.

Our precious Great Nephew, baby boy, Rory, came into the world weighing just 5 pounds, 14 ounces at full term — small, but so incredibly strong. What was supposed to be a joyful welcome quickly turned into a nightmare that no parent could ever prepare for. Rory was born with a serious heart defect (IAA) a rare separation of his aortic arch. Within days of his birth, his tiny heart had to endure a 10-hour plus open-heart surgery. Due to the severity of his condition, doctors had to leave his chest open while he was placed on life support (an ECMO machine) to give his body a chance not only to recover but to survive. But serious challenges come along with that life saving machine.

As young parents — just 26 and 28 years old, with a 2 ½-year-old daughter at home — this has been nothing short of a nightmare and emotional roller coaster.

Since that day, Rory has faced trial after trial:

• He required multiple rounds of dialysis to manage dangerous fluid buildup and kidney failure.

• His lung collapsed

• His lungs have tears in them.

• He also suffered a brain bleed.

• He went into liver shock/failure, a devastating complication for his fragile body.

• Most recently, he began having seizures.

• His chest remains open with the risk of infection and he remains on life support.

Despite everything, Rory continues to fight. He has already overcome many serious setbacks. He is a strong little fighter with a great personality already! We have hope that he will heal and thrive. And we continue to hold on to faith and pray for God's mercy. His parents and grandparents are constantly by his side, with his parents living day by day in the hospital, clinging to every small sign of improvement. His strength, the compassion and expertise of the doctors and nurses, and the prayers of those around them are what keep them going.

No parent should ever have to watch their newborn go through this.

Rory’s dad is currently furthering his nursing degree to one day care for others the way their son is being cared for now. However, their family is currently in crisis. With mounting medical and travel expenses, and their entire lives upended, we are humbly asking for your support.

We are fighting for Rory’s life — and we are asking you to fight with us.

Every donation will go directly toward:

• Medical expenses not covered by insurance

• Transportation, lodging, and food while living near the hospital

• Childcare and essentials for their daughter during this time

• Giving their family a chance to stay together as we walk through the unknown

• Help as they plan for Rory’s long-term care

Please keep Rory in your thoughts and prayers. If you’re unable to donate, sharing our story means the world to us.

We believe in miracles. We believe in the God given strength of little Rory. And we believe in the kindness of a community coming together in love and prayers

Thank you for helping us give Rory a strong chance at life. Rory should be spelled Roary! He’s fighting through these serious challenges with the strength of a lion. He’s a definite Roarior! And he already owns his first pair of boxing gloves!

With heartfelt gratitude,

Auntie Lisa and Auntie Nancy