Jayden

Jayden fought hard to grow strong enough to go home with his family since the day he was born. His parents, Abby and Jakeyle, stood by his side through every challenge, eagerly anticipating the day they could finally bring him home.

“Jayden,” his dad says, “had a rough start in life.” While pregnant, Abby was diagnosed with a placental tumor, leading to Jayden’s diagnosis of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Born prematurely at just 1 lb., 8 oz., Jayden faced a fragile beginning. He struggled with eating, was diagnosed with lung disease, and endured multiple rounds of pneumonia and sepsis. Ultimately, the placement of a tracheostomy tube to support his breathing helped turn things around, but his journey was far from over.

After spending 14 months in the acute care hospital where he was born, Jayden’s doctors and family began asking, “What’s next for Jayden?” He still needed specialized support and therapy before he could safely go home.

That next step brought Jayden to Ranken Jordan. Living several hours from St. Louis, Abby and Jakeyle had never heard of the hospital before. “The idea of moving Jayden anywhere seemed a little scary,” Abby admitted. But after touring the hospital and speaking with the team, they knew it was the right place for their son. “We are so happy to be members of the Ranken Jordan family,” she says.

Now, after months of therapy and care, Jayden is finally home. Abby and Jakeyle are soaking up every moment of everyday life with their son—reading bedtime stories, enjoying family dinners, and even simple trips to the grocery store.

Reflecting on their experience, Abby shares, “Of course, it’s for the best that not all children need the kind of treatment Ranken Jordan provides, but it is absolutely amazing here. I actually think every parent should see this place, even if their children are completely fine. The outlook is just different. I get to see our Jayden and other children like him have such great experiences—it makes me wish the whole world knew about Ranken Jordan.”

Thanks to the generous support donors, Ranken Jordan exists for children like Jayden. Donors share in our vision of a world where every child with complex medical needs lives their best life. Your support is essential in ensuring that children who need medical support and therapy before they return home have a place where they can experience childhood joys like playing with friends, singing and moving to music, and more so that they can thrive in every aspect of their lives. As Jayden continues his journey at home, his dad offers encouragement to other families facing similar challenges: “Never lose hope. There are always better days.”