Merida Strong

Right around August 20, 2014 my Mother was given the greatest birthday gift of all time, the ultrasound of her very first grandchild. My oldest brother Mikey and his fiancé Jessie were expecting a beautiful baby girl and everyone was overjoyed. When someone is expecting a child you expect things to be perfect, to go smoothly, and be problem free .. but in this case it was a little different. On March 2, 2014 a beautiful little girl entered this world, Merida Irene Boyle; feisty, determined, and perfect in her own way, she came out ready for battle. Merida was born with spina bifida, a developmental congenital disorder caused by the incomplete closing of the embryonic neural tube. Born with an opening in her back approximately the size of a soup can, and little to no movement in her legs, it was time to prepare for a bumpy road ahead. Originally due for C-Section on 3/17/2015, Mike and Jessie had housing booked ready for a two week stay near the Boston Children’s Hospital, but after moving the birth date up to 3/2/2015, they’re only option is to over pay for hotels and continuously move all around trying to stay as close as possible to their baby. Undergoing surgery to close the hole in her back, Merida has been fighting harder than ever. After removing her feeding tube, breathing tube, and catheter things were looking up for this little princess. After a recent brain scan the neurologists have found swelling in the ventricles of Merida’s brain which could lead to more surgeries in days to come. Orthopedic doctors have been actively looking at her legs, and sizing her for splints to help keep her legs straight. Unsure of the feeling, movability, and strength she will have as she grows, Merida will be working with doctors for several years to come. Strong, beautiful, and already a fighter this little girl and her family have been doing anything and everything to ensure they have only the best doctors around. Although her story is different, she is beyond perfect in every way. Please help us in this fight by supporting Mikey and Jessie, but most importantly Miss Merida Irene. Help us all become Merida Strong and support the most bad ass baby around. Thank you in advance, we love you all!