My name is Dona Taylor, and I’m reaching out for help for my daughter and her baby, Briar, who has been fighting through unimaginable medical challenges since he was just a few weeks old.

Briar was born with immune deficiencies and is immunocompromised, which makes it very hard for him to fight off illnesses. He also has dysphasia, caused by a delay from the brain to his esophagus — meaning he struggles to swallow safely. Doctors still don’t know the exact cause.

On top of this, Briar has a neurological condition known as “stereotypy” that causes his body to contract, shake, and move repetitively in his hands, feet, arms, legs, mouth, and head. These episodes can be triggered by stress, excitement, or overstimulation. In more stressful situations (like crowds or loud environments), Briar becomes so overwhelmed that he sometimes vomits from the stress.

He is currently being followed by eight specialists, including:

• Neurology

• Cardiology

• Aerodigestive clinic (ENT, pulmonology, gastroenterology)

• Immunology

• Genetics

• Speech and occupational therapy

• Dietary

Briar currently has an NG feeding tube, but his care team is preparing to place a G-tube soon to help him receive the nutrition he needs safely. At the end of the month, he will meet with the genetics team to test for several possible disorders.

Since he was only 3 weeks old, Briar has been hospitalized four times. He experiences recurring fevers, lethargy, and severe discomfort with no clear cause. His gastrointestinal issues are still being investigated as doctors continue searching for answers.

His mom also suffers from her chronic illnesses but has put her own care on the back burner to help her baby any way she can both physically and financially.

All of this has taken a huge toll on our family. Briar’s dad lost his job because of the constant medical appointments and hospital stays. He’s been trying to make deliveries when possible, but after the family car broke down, even that became difficult but managed to fix it. They moved out of their home and in with me. To try to catch up on bills. While trying to all this, they’ve fallen behind on bills and are now facing a lawsuit for missed payments.

We are doing everything we can to help them keep going — but we can’t do it alone.

The funds raised will go directly toward:

• Medical and hospital expenses

• Travel costs for specialist appointments

• Baby supplies and nutritional needs

• Essential family bills while both parents focus on Briar’s care

Every donation, no matter the size, helps lighten the load for this loving family as they fight for Briar’s health. Even sharing this campaign makes a difference.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, prayers, and support for baby Briar.

⸻