On June 12th, Thursday evening, 4-month-old Asher was rushed to the hospital after several days of increasing lethargy, weakness, and loss of responsiveness. His parents, Daniel and Emily, knew something was seriously wrong. After a series of tests, doctors confirmed a diagnosis no parent ever expects: Infant Botulism.
Infant Botulism is a rare but extremely dangerous illness caused by a bacterial toxin that can lead to total paralysis or even death if left untreated. The only treatment—a specialized medication called BabyBIG (Botulism Immune Globulin)—had to be flown in from a lab in California at a cost of $60,000.
Asher’s care team at the hospital believe he likely contracted the illness through a spore in dirt or dust while the family was visiting a rural area. Since arriving, Asher has undergone extensive care, including a CT scan, multiple blood draws, enemas, IV fluids, feeding tubes, and constant monitoring. He is expected to remain hospitalized for several weeks as he begins the long road to recovery.
To make an already overwhelming situation even more complicated, the family is uninsured, and none of Asher’s care—including the $60K medication—is covered. The hospital is working with them and has offered partial medical bill forgiveness, but they are still facing tens of thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses. Total current bills are already expected to exceed $100,000.
Additionally, Daniel and Emily own a small business in Canby, Oregon, and Daniel will still need to provide continued care to his patients as a Chiropractor at their clinic. Taking time away from the clinic is just not feasible. Emily will be staying by Asher’s side, focused solely on their son’s healing and recovery. Graciously, their families have volunteered to help them with their 3 older children during this season.
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Friends and family are rallying around the Huschka family during this incredibly difficult time, and asking for help. Every donation—no matter the size—will go directly toward:
• Hospital bills and the Botulism Anti Toxin Medication
• Ongoing care and recovery expenses
• Keeping their family financially stable while Asher heals
Making a financial contribution is not always doable for everyone and more than anything, we know that Daniel and Emily would greatly appreciate your prayers during this time. Please pray specifically for baby Asher to recover smoothly, and for the family to get through this rough season.
Thank you for helping this family fight for their baby boy’s recovery. Daniel and Emily have already felt so blessed by the support from their community.
With deep gratitude,
Friends of the Huschka Family
