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Rooting for Riglee

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Embrace Riglee with Love and Prayers

A true love story, one of miracles, tears, prayers, questions, and harmony. The Leighner Family is graciously requesting your love and support during the hardest journey thus far in their lives.


The Arrival of Riglee Haras Leighner

Shalyn, Sarah, Rohen (big brother), and Hadleigh (big sister) anxiously awaited the arrival of their newest member of the family. Prepared to embrace his journey with open arms, the family shed tears of joy as he immediately stole their hearts on January 1st, 2019. For this moment in time, they found joy and relief in the sound of his cries, the movement of his body, and the undeniable strength he has shown from birth!


The Team and Diagnosis

The NICU Team and Neurologist, amongst many others, worked endlessly to provide the best of care for "Riggs." They also wanted to provide as much information to Shalyn and Sarah as they prepare for the upcoming journey. Riglee was diagnosed with Dandy Walker Syndrome in a few short days of life. A group of congenital brain malformations that can affect muscle coordination, various difficulties with intracranial pressure, and other brain function problems. Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Nurses, and numerous specialists, were there working to help Riglee from the start of his Earthly journey. With these malformations, difficulties with muscle stiffness, partial paralysis, and possible seizures were amongst the discussion of future struggles. There are no certainties, as the information regarding Riglee is based on a day to day prognosis.


Feel The Love, Watch The Miracles

As exhaustion, fear, feelings of defeat, and wonder of the unknown surround them, they continue to let their hearts lead. They strive to keep their family focused on the love versus the difficulties ahead. The smiles and sparkly eyes of the big brother, Rohen, and big sister Hadleigh, as they meet their new little brother… Well, that tells the family story better than any words could describe!

Within the first 24 hours, Riglee was released from respiratory support, and forged ahead hungry! Miracle moments continued as Riglee used his oral motor skills to successfully latch and feed like a champ! This monumental moment was one that allowed this family to rejoice! During the next day, it was necessary to have various testing and imaging for Riggs. He had to be transported to a different hospital for various other assessments. With that much stimulation, he became exhausted and quickly declined in his ability to latch. His stamina for feeding times decreased and Shalyn and Sarah had to make a difficult decision to allow a feeding tube to be used as a supplement. They knew in their hearts, this was essential to regain his sweet disposition and strength! These triumphs continue to be celebrated graciously by all! This family longs to be together in their home, together, to celebrate more special moments! Please send your prayers and love to Riglee and his family.

 
Support:

Donations and continued prayers will be graciously accepted. The average cost for infants hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units is approximately $3,000 per day. If you are unable to donate at this time, please share the Leighner Story and ROOT FOR RIGLEE in hopes to meet their goal! The donations collected will be used to pay extensive hospital bills, provide availability to the specialists and early intervention needs for Riglee, as well as other costs incurred for any adaptive equipment needed for Riglee’s safety and wellbeing.

Updates of Riglee’s journey will continue as he grows! You can follow him and his family as they embrace all the miracles of life!
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    Co-organizers (3)

    Sarah Leighner
    Organizer
    Vandalia, OH
    Sarah Leighner
    Co-organizer
    Shalyn Renee
    Co-organizer

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