Kye

Cassie never expected anything to go wrong during her pregnancy, but everything changed when she suddenly became very sick. She was quickly admitted to the hospital, and just two days later, Kye was born at only 25 weeks gestation. “I wasn’t so much worried about myself. I was worried about my baby,” Cassie recalls.

Being born prematurely came with many challenges for Kye. He was diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a heart condition, as well as lung disease, and respiratory issues. His conditions are medically complex and require a lot of care. He spent the first 10 months in acute care hospitals before coming to Ranken Jordan.

Cassie would love for Kye to be at home with his three older siblings, but she knows that Ranken Jordan is the best place for him right now. Living nearly four hours away from Ranken Jordan adds to their burden. Donor support has been significant in assisting Cassie and her family with transportation and lodging for their visits to Kye. Additionally, the team at Ranken Jordan utilized technology to set up secure drop-in links so Cassie can be present at Kye’s therapy appointments and OZ sessions.

Since arriving at Ranken Jordan, Kye has made incredible progress. “When he first got here, he wasn’t able to do much,” Cassie shares. “Now, he loves making noises with his mouth, claps, smiles a lot more, and initiates interaction.” Kye has hit several developmental milestones including sitting up, stand and even walking! Cassie says, “Kye is, overall, a different kid, now.”

While Cassie cherishes her visits with Kye, living so far away and caring for his three older siblings makes frequent trips challenging. Despite the distance, she remains deeply involved in his care, looking forward to the day when he can finally come home.

Kye’s journey is a testament to the power of specialized pediatric care and the resilience of children facing medical challenges. He continues to make great strides towards the ultimate goal of going home. Your support has allowed him to make the most of his childhood so far.