Ryan’s Story
Donation protected
We found out about our sons complications very early on. At our very first ultrasound for a matter of fact. This made it very hard to enjoy our pregnancy. This made it very hard to envision what our future would look like. We were hit with things that we didn’t even know was real. Real issues like:
Gastroschisis
Club foot
Underdeveloped arm muscles
Low amniotic fluid
No fetal movement
No “practice breathing” towards the end, meaning his lungs were not functioning yet.
After birth, he was diagnosed with arthrogryposis.
Extensive genetic testing on him, and us just to find out it was not genetic. His deformities were caused by lack of oxygen at some point, early in the pregnancy.
I also stopped working. My pregnancy was extremely hard on me, mentally and physically. I faced my own health issues. Not the ideal first time pregnancy. I also figured that after birth, he would require my full, undivided attention for a very-very long time.
And that’s what I’m here for. To support and care for him, always. But I‘m not the only one that went through the emotional trauma of having to see our son go through so much. Pedro missed weeks of work. The moment he was finally able to return to work, life would throw us a curve ball and he would miss more days. I can’t describe the pain we still face every day.
He came early so I never got the chance to have a baby shower. Which sadly, I never wanted because I was always feeling scared.
We’re sleep deprived. If we do eat, we eat like shit. We’re lucky if we remember to drink enough water. We’re behind on our car payments and have so many added late fees to our credit cards. I owe the hospital $10,000 for his delivery. We’re so close to having to move back into my parents house which only has two bedrooms (my parent’s and sister’s room) BUT we will all handle that ourselves.
This is not for us.
This is all for Ryan. Every dollar. Every cent. For his crib, mattress, car seat, and stroller. His special adaptive clothing. Special toys that he will be able to play with. An at-home nurse care. Also for all his trach and g-tube care essentials. Everything insurance doesn’t cover.
This is to help him. To give him everything, that us as parents can’t. Never thought I’d be in this position. We thought we were ready for a baby. Which we were. But a special needs baby requires more than just having to purchase diapers and cute clothing.
We never thought we would spend our entire pregnancy at driving between doctor, insurance, and human resource offices. We never thought we would spend three months and counting inside of a NICU. We never thought we would have to take extensive classes on “what if your baby stops breathing?” Training on how to clean the open holes on your baby’s body. Things no first time parents should have to go through.
We neglected our health and sanity because we’re too focused on our son’s health. We get ptsd at our morning alarms because for a second we think it’s our baby’s monitor going off. Our hearts get heavy every time we get in the car to drive to the hospital.
We love our son and this life is a new adventure for us. For all three of us.
We hate that it took us this long to actually admit, we need help. But it’s time to swallow our pride because it’s not about us no more.
It’s about Ryan!
Ryan Mason, my sweet boy. We’re scared but we know so are you. This is our new normal and we will embrace every second of it. We will make sure you’re never short of anything! During your journey, so many people have sent you prayers. And we think your success is all thanks to them! You are so loved. Your life will never be boring, I’ll tell you that much. And mom and dad will make sure you are always protected. I love our family so much. I wouldn’t trade this life for anything else in the world. Even if they offered me all of Disneyland, I would turn it down! Because you are all the excitement and adventure I need in my life!!!
I love you Ryan Mason Montoya. Forever and always.
Any helps. Even if it’s just a prayer. We love and appreciate each and everyone of you guys!
All forms of donations are welcomed. (New or used items)
Reach me at @gonzalezcandy on Instagram.
Thank you. And God bless.
-The Montoyas.
Gastroschisis
Club foot
Underdeveloped arm muscles
Low amniotic fluid
No fetal movement
No “practice breathing” towards the end, meaning his lungs were not functioning yet.
After birth, he was diagnosed with arthrogryposis.
Extensive genetic testing on him, and us just to find out it was not genetic. His deformities were caused by lack of oxygen at some point, early in the pregnancy.
I also stopped working. My pregnancy was extremely hard on me, mentally and physically. I faced my own health issues. Not the ideal first time pregnancy. I also figured that after birth, he would require my full, undivided attention for a very-very long time.
And that’s what I’m here for. To support and care for him, always. But I‘m not the only one that went through the emotional trauma of having to see our son go through so much. Pedro missed weeks of work. The moment he was finally able to return to work, life would throw us a curve ball and he would miss more days. I can’t describe the pain we still face every day.
He came early so I never got the chance to have a baby shower. Which sadly, I never wanted because I was always feeling scared.
We’re sleep deprived. If we do eat, we eat like shit. We’re lucky if we remember to drink enough water. We’re behind on our car payments and have so many added late fees to our credit cards. I owe the hospital $10,000 for his delivery. We’re so close to having to move back into my parents house which only has two bedrooms (my parent’s and sister’s room) BUT we will all handle that ourselves.
This is not for us.
This is all for Ryan. Every dollar. Every cent. For his crib, mattress, car seat, and stroller. His special adaptive clothing. Special toys that he will be able to play with. An at-home nurse care. Also for all his trach and g-tube care essentials. Everything insurance doesn’t cover.
This is to help him. To give him everything, that us as parents can’t. Never thought I’d be in this position. We thought we were ready for a baby. Which we were. But a special needs baby requires more than just having to purchase diapers and cute clothing.
We never thought we would spend our entire pregnancy at driving between doctor, insurance, and human resource offices. We never thought we would spend three months and counting inside of a NICU. We never thought we would have to take extensive classes on “what if your baby stops breathing?” Training on how to clean the open holes on your baby’s body. Things no first time parents should have to go through.
We neglected our health and sanity because we’re too focused on our son’s health. We get ptsd at our morning alarms because for a second we think it’s our baby’s monitor going off. Our hearts get heavy every time we get in the car to drive to the hospital.
We love our son and this life is a new adventure for us. For all three of us.
We hate that it took us this long to actually admit, we need help. But it’s time to swallow our pride because it’s not about us no more.
It’s about Ryan!
Ryan Mason, my sweet boy. We’re scared but we know so are you. This is our new normal and we will embrace every second of it. We will make sure you’re never short of anything! During your journey, so many people have sent you prayers. And we think your success is all thanks to them! You are so loved. Your life will never be boring, I’ll tell you that much. And mom and dad will make sure you are always protected. I love our family so much. I wouldn’t trade this life for anything else in the world. Even if they offered me all of Disneyland, I would turn it down! Because you are all the excitement and adventure I need in my life!!!
I love you Ryan Mason Montoya. Forever and always.
Any helps. Even if it’s just a prayer. We love and appreciate each and everyone of you guys!
All forms of donations are welcomed. (New or used items)
Reach me at @gonzalezcandy on Instagram.
Thank you. And God bless.
-The Montoyas.
Organizer
Candy Gonzalez
Organizer
Colton, CA