Most people don’t like to ask for help. It’s tough, some may even say demoralizing but, sometimes at one point in our lives or another, we need it. It’s one thing we all have in common.

As I’m sure all of you know, this family is one that we cherish so incredibly deeply. They’ve become family to us and during this time of need, I can’t even begin to share the ways in which I want to help them so, we’ll start here:

We’re all busy, I know. So, if you can’t read Kain’s entire story at the link, I get it, I really do. But, please at least take a few minutes now that your kids are (maybe almost or already) in bed, you’re wrapping up your long week, and maybe finally sitting to eat dinner yourself (or if you’re like me, having your first shower in more than overrr a day) to read a short piece of this family’s hardship.

You all may remember the pictures I shared from the hospital holding this sweet, tiny little baby only a few short months ago. His name is Kain. His parents waited over two years for him, thinking they would never have a second baby on their own because of a past surgery mama (Karrah) had to have for her own health and safety. Thankfully, their miracle baby happened and grew through a healthy, normal pregnancy until week 28. Mom started going into preterm labor more times than we can all begin to count and with a hopeful heart, she and her team of professionals pushed to try and keep him in his temporary home any way possible until there was no other option. Sweet little Kain was born 3 weeks early on March 22, 2018. With, at the time, no worries more than that of a small, early born baby, they were able to take him home after two days.

After a short time being home, his parents started noticing he had significant weight loss that wasn’t ending or staying put, alongside severe vomiting, diarrhea, and an extremely uncomfortable and fussy Kain. With their pediatrician, they made a plan to see to see a pediatric GI doctor immediately.

Fast forward to today- After being diagnosed as failure to thrive in less than the 1st percentile in body fat, continuing to lose or not gain substantial amount of weight (we’re talking mere OUNCES that can not be gained), and a baby who’s stomach empties at an alarmingly slow rate causing severe reflux and gastric symptoms, Kain has spent several days/weeks in the hospital with unanswered questions. He’s

seen multiple Specialists, had more IV’s than I’ve had as a mom of three, been pricked and poked almost as much as the days he’s been in our world, and has been given no promise for answers in the days ahead.

Through research and tests, Kain’s professional team at Winnie Palmer has decided it is best for him to transition permanently from breast feeding to ‘prescription grade’ formula. Due to Kain’s early arrival and proceeding troubles, Karrah (mama) has had to extend her leave indefinitely as an ER nurse at one of our largest local hospitals. She’s currently not received leave pay and her husband is working as many overtime hours in his career as a local Law Enforcement Officer as he possibly can while we all help to juggle their sweet, beautiful daughter Kinsley between homes when Kain has been admitted to the hospital or has had specialist appointments far from home.

At this point, because a double income family is now down to a single income family with heartbreaking trouble that no-one expects, Karrah and her family (with great regret) need help.

No one anticipates a premie baby but, most who birth one, end up with an almost full term sized baby within the first month. Unfortunately, the case for Kain is not that. This precious boy is still in premie diapers at roughly ten weeks old with no change to be seen in the near future. As you may or may not be aware, premie diapers aren’t normally sold in large packs because babies don’t typically stay that size for long and because they are juggling so many obstacles as it is, cloth isn’t a feasible option so, this family is purchasing several small packs of premie diapers at $8.99 only to last a couple days before needing to replace their diaper “stash.”

Not only are they running through highly priced tiny sized diapers as quick as my 9 month old uses his size 3’s but, with professional recommendation are feeding their baby formula at double the cost of regular over the counter baby formula, of $400 per month. Their formula can not be purchased in a store so, with the risk of running low in the middle of a feeding, they must stock accordingly. We can also factor in the trips back and forth to the hospital, doctors, specialists, to and from bringing Kinsley to be cared for when her parents have to be away, medical bills, medications, and regular living expenses. Again, on a single income of a double income family.

•The Future:

After seeing a genetic specialist amongst their group of current specialists during their most recent hospital stay, they are now looking for possible metabolic conditions, as well as cystic fibrosis and other possible pancreas dissorders. Brant (Dad) and Karrah (Mom) are remaining extremly optimistic under the circumstances. In the meantime, they will continue on this path with their new formula as they await results or future testing.

How can you help?

•Head to this link and donate if you can! A donation of any amount, big or small, will help to feed baby Kain a meal when his family is struggling to find the means!

•Pick up a pack of premie diapers during your next Target run! (*Shoot me a message and I’d be happy to meet you for pickup!)

•Send a can of Kain’s new formula to his Honey (grandmother) for her to bring to his family! (Please message me for the address. It will be a business address.)

•If you pray, pray. If you send good juju, send good juju. If you keep people in your heart, keep them in your heart. If you just think happy thoughts and carry good energy, please think happy for them and send some energy. Whatever you do, please for this baby and his family, will you?