Hi everyone,
I’m writing with a heavy but hopeful heart to ask for support for our 7-week-old son, JJ. He was recently diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease, a rare and serious condition that affects the colon and requires a highly specialized surgery called a pull-through procedure.
This surgery is not a cure, but it is a critical first step in managing his condition and giving JJ the best possible chance at a healthy life. When not done correctly—especially early on—it can lead to a lifetime of complications. After extensive research, second opinions, and heartbreaking discussions, we’ve made the decision to travel from our home in Dallas to Boston, where true experts in Hirschsprung’s disease will perform the procedure.
Unfortunately, while Texas has wonderful hospitals, the pediatric surgeons here simply don’t have the same level of experience or specialization in this rare disease as the team in Boston. We couldn’t take the risk of JJ receiving care that isn’t tailored to his complex condition and we have been passed around to many times for our comfort here.
We will be driving across the country- Hayden, Millie, myself and my mom Cara to help and support us along the way- to make this journey safely and minimize JJ’s exposure to illness. But we are facing overwhelming financial stress to make it all happen.
Hayden is the sole provider for our family right now because I haven’t gone back to work yet, and he has already used all of his PTO while JJ was in the NICU and for recent hospital visits. Taking this time off to be with us for JJ’s surgery means he will be unpaid, just when our expenses are piling up the most.
We’re asking for help covering:
Gas and travel costs to and from Boston
Out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by insurance
Lodging, food, and essentials while we’re away from home (we hope to stay in the Ronald McDonald house while there and we will know if there is availability for us soon)
We never imagined we’d be in a position to ask for help like this, but we are doing everything we can to get JJ the best possible start in life. Anything you can give—whether it’s a donation, a share, or a kind word—means more than you know.
Thank you for supporting our family during this difficult journey.
With love and gratitude,
Sara, Hayden, Millie & Baby JJ
