Hi everyone,

We are starting this GoFundMe to help support medical and related expenses for our newborn son, Lennon, who was born with a cleft lip and palate.

Lennon was born on January 13, 2026, at Adirondack Medical Center via emergency C-section following two days of induction. Throughout the entire pregnancy, Lennon kept his face hidden, so his cleft lip and palate were not discovered until birth.

Lennon was not discharged from the hospital until he was able to properly feed using specialized bottles designed to support infants with cleft lip and palate. Due to his condition, Lennon has been unable to nurse or latch. I (Megan) have been pumping as much as possible, while also needing to supplement with formula until my milk supply fully increases. Feeding has been one of our earliest and ongoing challenges, requiring both patience and specialized support.

Managing a cleft lip and palate involves long-term, coordinated care through a multidisciplinary craniofacial team. This includes early feeding support, primary surgeries such as lip repair around 3–6 months and palate repair between 9–18 months, as well as continued care throughout childhood and adolescence including speech therapy, orthodontics, dental care, ear tube placement, and potential revision surgeries.

Lennon has already begun his specialist journey. On Friday, January 23, he was seen by his ENT and underwent a procedure to remove a thread of skin connecting his upper and lower eyelids, which had prevented him from opening his eyes. He can now open them comfortably, a milestone we are incredibly thankful for. He also has an upcoming appointment scheduled for February 25 with the Vermont Cleft Palate–Craniofacial Foundation, where his care plan will continue to take shape. Depending on the outcome of that appointment, there is a slight possibility that we may seek a second opinion to ensure we are making the best long-term decisions for Lennon’s care.

In addition to caring for Lennon, we are also providing daily care and support for my husband’s son, Axel, my stepson, who is 9 years old, non-verbal, and on the autism spectrum. Supporting Axel’s needs alongside a medically complex newborn adds another layer of responsibility to our daily lives, but he is an important and deeply loved part of our family.

Lennon’s treatment requires frequent travel back and forth to Vermont to see his team of specialists. With me currently on unpaid maternity leave, our family is relying solely on my husband’s income while managing increasing medical, travel, and everyday expenses.

Through it all, we are leaning on one another, staying strong as a family, and doing everything possible to give our children the care, love, and stability they deserve.

Any contribution—no matter the size—will go directly toward Lennon’s medical care, travel costs, therapies, feeding supplies, and the many necessities that come with supporting his long-term health. We are deeply grateful for your kindness, support, prayers, and generosity as we navigate this journey with our family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

- Megan, Zack, Axel & Lennon