Tim,Ashley, and Braydon Harrison-Manter

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Ashley Harrison and Tim Manter were so excited to start a new chapter in their lives - parenting. They received news early on that they were carrying identical twin boys! Ashley was carrying the babies well and feeling great and with a November due date they thought they had plenty of time to get things in order. However, on July 17, Ashley went into early labor and Braydon Scott Harrison-Manter was born at 11:20 PM at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital - not quite 1 1/2 pounds. A team of specialists helicoptered in from Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center to assist with the delivery. Another team arrived from Baystate to transport Braydon to their NICU in Springfield, MA as Dartmouth did not have any space. Asher Harrison-Manter was stillborn July 18. A VT undertaker provided free services as he does with all infants and they will have a private intimate service when they are ready.

Tim and Ashley are reeling from the mix of emotions - shock, grief, fear, hope. If Braydon is able to survive this early entry into the world, he will remain in the NICU for four months or more. There will be lack of income, displacement, many expenses, and need for all the support we can provide. I would love for them to focus all of their attention on themselves right now and not worry about the financial burden that will likely be steep. Please consider donating whatever you can to help Tim and Ashley focus on their family.

We will update Braydon’s condition regularly on this site and ask that you contact Tim or me rather than Ashley so she can remain fully attentive to her own and her child’s needs.

A thousand thanks for your love and generosity.

Chris Normandin (Grandma)

Update: 7/21/23

Braydon continues to amaze us with his ability to face the challenges that come with being a 23 wk old. He had an infection but seems to be fighting that and is responding to treatments. He gained back 2oz he had lost and is benefiting from Ashleys breast milk. He faces many serious challenges ahead but they remain hopeful and positive as possible.

Tim and Ashley have settled into the Springfield Ronald McDonald House so they can be closer to the hospital and will come back and forth to my house in Northampton to see their dog and have a change of scenery. They are absolutely blown away by the love and support that you are all showering on them and are working on being able to graciously and humbly accept the assistance.