Brynlee The Brave

My name is Lindsey Hoyme and I’m a friend and fellow Reading neighbor to The Burbank family. This GFM stemmed from the Facebook group where several people have asked if they can donate.

The purpose of this group is to support the Burbank’s in a very important and upcoming event in their lives; Bryn’s upcoming surgery.

In my experience (and Covid confirmed this!), when given the opportunity, neighbors WANT to support and help each other. It’s a beautiful thing when people drop their differences and become a village who support each other through the small things, and the big things.

This is a big thing. A REALLY big thing. And I want to give our whole town the opportunity to cheer on, pray for, encourage, support, love on and support the Burbank’s. We have GREAT HOPE for Bryn’s surgery and recovery, but it is no small feat. The amount this 23 month old baby girl has already lived in her life is not for the faint. She is strong, resilient, happy, smart, capable and SO very, very loved.

Before I explain the HOW, I thought an excerpt from Bryn’s mom might be helpful in explaining their situation!

“Brynlee Grace was diagnosed with left hemimegalencephaly (LHME) at 6 weeks old. HME is a rare brain condition that causes severe seizures and major developmental delays. Bryn’s doctors told us she may never walk, talk or eat. We were heartbroken and devastated by her diagnosis and prognosis.

Bryn takes daily medication to attempt to control her seizures. However, she continues to have breakthrough seizures. HME is relentless and the seizures are never ending while continually getting stronger and more severe over time. Bryn will have a functional hemispherectomy this Fall. This is a very risky and complicated brain surgery. However, it will save Bryn’s life.

We know this will give her the best chance at a stable and happy life. Bryn amazes us every day with her bravery and strength. We look forward to the other side of surgery so we can watch her flourish and live her best life!”

Lindsey again! How special is this little girl?! If you haven’t heard of the procedure Bryn will undergo, it is no small feat. So, now we are to the HOW! This is where it gets fun.

I am going to card the yard of Bryn’s family, on Lindsay Lane behind Birch Meadow Elementary sometime mid October. Then, we will choose a date for us to absolutely destroy their yard with support. What I mean is, make posters! Write cards! Leave them gift cards! Write them letters! Leave balloons! Anything you can think of to safely support the Burbank’s without exposing Bryn to Covid before her surgery. Please don’t ring the bell or ask to see her, just drive by and drop off your well wishes. I will post pictures of this angel BUT we need to keep her germ free before her big date. I’m sure you all can understand this.

So! WHO’s with me?! I know I’m not alone in wanting to cherish and support this family in this life altering event.

Thank you for joining team Bryn!!