Current update:

(October 6, 2025) Baby Ace passed away. Thank you for all the love and support.

(September 27, 2025) Ace is going into heart failure and as of now the cardiologist told us he’s not a candidate for heart surgery at this time. We are not sure what the next few days look like but we’re trying to stay hopeful. He has been critically ill since being born but continues to fight. He still has two major surgeries that he absolutely needs which are open heart surgery and esophagus repair which at 2 days old he had a TEF partial repair but needs his whole esophagus repair when he’s more stable and his heart is in better condition.

❤️❤️ Update: Ace has been recovering well from his brain surgery & is on the lowest setting for his ventilator!

He still has a long road ahead of him with a few surgeries that will be immediate before being discharge which are his permanent shunt, heart surgery, & repair his esophagus so both pieces are connected.

We also got the results back from genetics. We initially did genetic testing in Alaska where all the results came back normal. Colorado offered a more detailed gentic testing where they will look at everything. Those results came back normal as well. Which means his only diganosis is hydrocephalus. We just found out as well to not label him with Goldenhar syndrome even though he shows many signs of it.

⭐⭐Update: Baby Ace made his appearance in this world on August 15th, 2025.

At 2 days old, he had a very long surgery for a TEF repair (which is: TEF is an abnormal connection between the trachea and the esophagus. This connection can allow stomach contents to enter the lungs, causing breathing problems and infections.) They had to cut a couple incisions near his belly and on his side of his chest. They also went ahead and inserted a g-tube. Post surgery he was having trouble clotting and his blood was thin during surgery. He had a blood transfusion.

He was originally supposed to have brain surgery to get a shunt put in on t August 22nd, 2025 to drain some of the fluid of his brain but the surgery was postponed to a later date due to his blood and platelets not being where they needed to be.

He will need other surgeries in the future but his medical team are being cautious and waiting until the right time.

Keep sharing, praying, sending good thoughts. We appreciate everyone who has donated or have kept baby Ace in their prayers and thoughts.

Original Story: Hi, my name is Miranda Payton and I am from small town, Southwest Nebraska. I am trying to raise funds for my little sister — Moriah, my brother(in-law) — Jarod, and their growing family as they face a heartbreaking and unexpected medical journey.

My sister is a preschool teacher in Alaska (but was born and raised in Southwest Nebraska,) and her husband works for NANA Alaska. They have a sweet little boy, my nephew, Leelyn, who is just 15 months old. Right now, they should be preparing to welcome my new baby nephew — Ace, but instead, they’re fighting for his life.

At 28 weeks, Moriah was referred to Denver's Children's Hospital due to Alaska not being equipped for her delivery. Moriah cannot travel back and forth via airplane to Alaska and Denver due to her high-risk pregnancy. She will have to stay close to Denver starting at the beginning of August until she has baby Ace. She is not due until September 28, but her doctors think she will be induced early at the beginning of September.

A Devastating Diagnosis:

Baby Ace has been diagnosed with Hydrocephalus and Goldenhar Syndrome, two rare and serious birth conditions. On top of that, he has multiple critical heart defects: a ventricular septal defect (VSD) and coarctation of the aorta. After he’s born, he will need open-heart surgery and brain surgery to place a shunt to relieve fluid buildup in his head. The doctors are hopeful that Ace will be out of the hospital, 4 to 6 weeks after surgeries if everything goes as plan. ❤️

Because of the high-risk nature of the pregnancy, my sister had to fly from Alaska to Denver to see specialists and prepare for delivery at a hospital equipped for complex surgeries. She brought her toddler with her—but had to leave behind her husband and their dog daughter, Shadow.

Her husband just started a new job and can’t take time off or be with my sister and their son until Moriah has baby Ace. My sister is unable to work right now, living far from home and doing everything she can to stay strong for both of her boys.

Why We Need Your Help?

This journey has placed an enormous emotional and financial burden on their family. We’re raising funds to help with:

-Travel, lodging, and meals while living out of state

-NICU stays and surgeries after the baby is born

-Lost income while my sister is unable to work

-Ongoing therapies and medical care in the months and years ahead

Every Bit Helps

Whether it’s $5, $50, or a simple share, you can make a real difference for a family doing everything they can to bring their baby into the world safely. My sister is one of the most patient, kind-hearted people I know. She's a loving mom, a devoted teacher, and a true fighter.

Your support would mean the world to us. Please keep Baby Ace, and our whole family in your thoughts and prayers.

⭐If you’d prefer to help in other ways—like sending care packages, gift cards, or emotional support—please reach out to me (Miranda) directly.

Venmo: moopayton

Thank you for reading, supporting, and sharing.

With love,

❤️Miranda and the Payton/Morris Family