I am reaching out on behalf of my nephew Grayson (I call him my little Superman) and his new Mommy (Gianna) and Daddy (Ozzy). 

Grayson had a condition called Gastrocesis.  During the first trimester of Gianna's pregnancy his stomach did not fully close and his intestines grew outside of his body.  Grayson made his appearance into the world on August 30th at 1:12am, weighing in at 5lbs 14 ounces and 17 inches long!  Gianna was just shy of 37 weeks pregnant when doctors at Brigham and Woman's decided it was time to induce her.  Doctor's at Children's Hospital accessed Grayson's intestines and noted that some of his stomach and appendix were outside as well.  His first procedure right after birth consisted of putting in a Silo that hung above his body for gravity to help them slowly go back inside his belly.

Tomorrow will mark 4 weeks that Grayson has been at Boston Children's Hospital.  His intestines are back in his belly and his stomach is healing around his umbilical cord that the surgeons were able to place around the wound.  We are hopeful that this will form a belly button!  He has had some bumps along the road while at Children's that consisted of his PIC line needing to be moved due to a blood clot in his arm, having spinal fluid removed to for testing and battling a blood infection.  Now he is having some issues keeping Gianna's breast milk down.  He has had a feeding tube that they are increasing the milliliters gradually, but he does not seem to be digesting it properly this week.   He is very uncomfortable due to gas and we are hoping this passes soon so he can continue his feedings.

Grayson has overcome so many obstacles and I know he will overcome this as well...he really is like a mini Superman!  I am so proud of my little sister as well for how strong she is and being there for her son.  She has not left the hospital since he was born.  She is a 'rock star' mama already!

Grayson's Daddy, Ozzy, has returned to work.  He commutes back and forth from Lowell to the hospital so he can be with his family.  He is such an amazing partner to Gianna and Father to Grayson.

I am asking for donations on behalf of the Estrada/Cavaliere family to help them with the medical costs that they are incurring at Boston Children's Hospital.  They have a long road ahead of them and I feel that after all they have been through, setting up a GoFund Me is the least I can do.  Any donations amount is greatly appreciated to help my favorite little family get on their feet when Grayson is released from the hospital.  We do not know yet when that will be.

We are so appreciative of all the love, support and prayers everyone has sent to our family.  This truly is one of the hardest obstacles we have come across in our lives...but together...we always make it through!

Thank you all :)

Love,
Auntie Nikki
on behalf of Grayson, Gianna & Ozzy