Hi, my name is Brandi, and I’m raising funds to support my son, Layne, and our family during an ongoing medical journey that has completely changed our lives.
Layne was due May 11, 2024, but arrived far too early on March 31, 2024 due to severe complications. At 16 weeks gestation, we learned he would be born with Gastroschisis and were told it would be repaired shortly after birth and that he would go on to live a “normal” life. Unfortunately, that was far from our reality.
Since birth, Layne has undergone 17 surgeries and has lost all but 11 cm of his small intestine, leaving him with life-altering medical needs. He spent nine months in the NICU across two hospitals. At one point, we were told there was nothing more that could be done—but I fought to have him transferred to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, where doctors were able to save what they could.
Layne has since been diagnosed with over 10 complex medical conditions, including severe protein deficiency, immunoglobulin deficiency, and critically low albumin levels that require frequent infusions. Over the past year alone, we’ve had more than 50 inpatient hospital stays.
He depended on TPN and a G-tube for 18 months. In October, his central line catastrophically failed during an MRI and had to be removed. Doctors attempted life without TPN, but since then he has been hospitalized 11 more times and was recently labeled Failure to Thrive, meaning a new central line (Broviac) must be placed and TPN restarted—with no timeline for how long this will last.
Most recently, Layne tested positive for sepsis, delaying his line placement and extending his hospital stay indefinitely.
Because of the central line, Layne can no longer take baths or play in water, and everyday childhood moments are now high-risk medical decisions.
I am Layne’s full-time caregiver. While I receive a small stipend, I do not get paid when he is hospitalized, which happens often and for long periods. I was previously a full-time medical assistant, but caring for Layne is a 24/7 responsibility. Between constant hospitalizations, travel, lost income, and ongoing medical expenses, we are facing overwhelming financial hardship.
We have no nearby family support, and the emotional and financial weight often falls entirely on me. Despite everything, I will never stop fighting for my son. Layne deserves the best chance at life, comfort, and stability.
Funds raised will help cover:
- Lost income during extended hospital stays
- Medical and travel expenses
- Daily living costs while caring for Layne full-time
- Unexpected costs that come with long-term hospitalization
If you are unable to donate, sharing our story means more than you know. Thank you for taking the time to read, for your kindness, and for supporting our family during the hardest chapter of our lives
