Uriah's Journey: Overcoming Airway Challenges

We are the Dahlens! Mom and Dad so proud of our amazing twin boys! We run on Jesus, laughter and the parents on lots of coffee! Noah and Uriah have changed our lives forever and we cannot imagine life without them.

As some may know our precious Uriah was given a Trach in July of 2023. He breathes through a device in his neck and since coming home in October of 2023 has improved tremendously and overcome so so much.

We found out in September of 2024 that he has something called “subglottic stenosis.” This simply means that his upper airway above the Trach is too small for him to breathe through, which is why he needs the Trach.

In January of 2025 we were referred to Mayo Clinic to begin the process of meeting with doctors to discuss him needing reconstructive surgery in order to remove the Trach. We are trying a few outpatient procedures to help widen his airway before they go in and do the reconstructive surgery. We still do not have a date as to when they will do his surgery, just that he still will have to have the surgery done at some point.

We are needing to raise some funds for our trips back and forth to Mayo as well as medical expenses. Mayo is considered out of network with our insurance and even though our insurance has given us the go ahead to receive care it is still really expensive.

I’m also dedicating this page to post updates on Uriah’s progress for those that are wanting to know what to pray for and to follow along in our journey!

We are so thankful for you!

Update April 26th

Uriah is making amazing progress in recovery after getting his tonsils taken out. We have a follow up appointment on Tuesday and we are hoping to be able to get cleared to go home.

The current care plan is to come back to Mayo in July for the doctors to look at his airway again. Hoping and praying to see that the inflammation in his upper airway has gone down, so that Stage 1 of his reconstruction could happen sometime before the end of the year. Stage 1 of his reconstruction being , taking rib cartilage and widening his upper airway while leaving the Trach in (for a stable airway). Stage 2 would be taking the Trach out after Stage 1 had had some time to heal.