Kia Foster-Blades and Krys Donovan welcomed their sweet baby boy, Grey Arlo, on June 10, 2024. Within a week they had to air ambulance him from Barbados to Miami to undergo emergency surgery to save his life.

"Grey was born with a full head of hair, the most stunning gaze and the calmest demeanor. However, after a few days, although latching well, he could not keep anything down.

An ultrasound showed that Grey was born with rare defects and had a blockage in his upper esophagus.

We were rushed to the NICU at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados where he was placed on intravenous fluids to feed him.

The main diagnosis was that his upper and lower esophagus were not connected, preventing him from getting any nourishment. Our baby boy was literally starving.

We were advised to take immediate action to get Grey to an overseas facility where the necessary surgery could be performed. We are taking our little boy on his first plane ride, on Dad’s first Father’s Day, air ambulance style to Joe Di Maggio Children’s Hospital in Miami.

Baby Grey will undergo surgery to reconnect his esophagus, fix his abnormalities and do exploratory surgery to make sure that his other organs are healthy. With our family and friends support, we hope our baby boy will be home, in our arms, happy and healthy soon soon!" Kia and Krys

The accompanying financial burdens are crippling and no newborn parents should have to weigh these concerns against saving their baby. Our goal is to help baby Grey get the care he needs. We want to support his surgery and recovery so that he can get back home safely to his family and be showered with all their love.

The air ambulance, surgery and related US health care costs are estimated to total US$350,000.00. Any support you can offer will be greatly appreciated.

Since GoFundMe does not operate in Barbados, we, Kia's aunties in the US, are helping with these fundraising efforts. Heidi McLeod is a close family friend acting as the US intermediary between this GoFundMe account and the family of Kia Foster-Blades. All funds raised will be sent directly from Heidi to the Joe DiMaggio Children's hospital or the family of Grey (Mrs. Suzanne Cheeseman, his granny) to cover emergency medical expenses. Posted with the family's permission.

Please help baby Grey get the emergency surgery and care he needs.