Support Ashley and Alex's Journey for Baby Hooyman

As most of you know, in the beginning of June Ashley and Alex found out that their dream of becoming parents was going to come true! They were elated and soon found out that baby Hooyman is going to be a little girl!

During a routine anatomy scan a few weeks ago, Ashley and Al had their world turned upside down when they were told that their baby girl has Spina Bifida and would likely be born severely disabled.

Myelomeningocele with hydrocephalus and a Chiari malformation type II Is the exact diagnosis. This condition can produce a wide range of symptoms such as:

-Problems moving parts of the body below the opening in the back

-Lack of sensation in their legs and feet

-Poor or no bowel and bladder control

-Twisted or abnormal legs and feet, such as, clubfoot

-A buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the head (hydrocephalus)

-Problems with how the back of the brain formed (Chiari 2 malformation)

-Learning differences or delays

In true Ashley and Alex fashion, they were not willing to take this diagnosis lying down. After searching for answers and doctors that could help them, they were lead to the CuRe Trial at UC Davis Children’s hospital. This trial is a cutting edge fetal surgery that will give baby Hooyman the absolute best chances of having minimal impact from her diagnosis.

Luckily Ashley and baby girl were accepted into the trial, so now the hard work begins! Ashley and Alex will be moving to Sacramento next week and will have to stay there until after the birth of baby girl in late December.

Ashley will not be allowed to be alone, so Alex who is self employed, will have to take a leave of absence from work to be by her side.

This is of course going to create a big financial burden for their family, as they will still have all of their bills due here at home.

At this point we aren’t sure when they will be able to return home, but it is expected that the baby will need some treatments immediately following birth.

All contributions will go toward helping pay for medical expenses, temporary relocation, their mortgage and other bills so that Ashley and Alex can focus solely on healing and having a safe delivery.

We as a family appreciate any and all support for Ashley, Alex, Lilly and their precious little girl that will be with us soon!! If you cannot contribute financially please share this with anyone that may feel inclined to help this beautiful family.

Thank you!