After years of infertility and heartbreak, Colton and I were overjoyed to welcome our baby girl, Alayna, on Valentine’s Day. Every sonogram during pregnancy was normal, and we were filled with hope and excitement for her arrival. But when Alayna was born, she was blue and unable to breathe. She was rushed to the NICU, where doctors diagnosed her with Pierre Robin Sequence—a rare condition that causes her chin to be recessed, pushing her tongue back and blocking her airway. She also has a cleft palate and a separate heart condition that we are still learning about.

Alayna cannot be laid on her back because her tongue can fall back and block her airway, making it difficult for her to breathe. She struggles with sucking her tongue up into her cleft, which adds to her challenges. Despite everything, Alayna is incredibly strong and beautiful, and we are so grateful to have her in our lives. She is now being transferred to Children’s Dallas for surgery to extend her jaw. The surgical team will need to break her jaw and install plates with screws that will be turned daily to help her jaw grow. Later this year, she will also need surgery to repair her cleft palate.

These surgeries and the travel expenses for our family were completely unexpected. Many friends and family have asked how they can help, and this fundraiser is the best way to support our baby girl. All funds raised will go directly toward Alayna’s medical bills and travel expenses as we help her get the care she needs. We are deeply thankful for everyone who has reached out and shown love to Alayna. She is so loved, and we know she will get through this.