Help the Barton family

Hello! After hearing Claire’s story Cory and I wanted to create a go fund me for her and her family. It’s hard to imagine everything they’ve gone through and the road they still have ahead. Please do what you can to help Claire and her family though this difficult time. Here is her message:

Hi there! For those of you who don't know me, my name is Claire Barton and I'm the PCC in the Davenport, IA office. I started here May 24th, 2021. 2 days after finishing my 6th year as a special education teacher. Our family needed a change, and I knew I could still help others here. My wonderful wife Kelly and I have been together 12 years. About 4 years ago when I was teaching in East Moline, IL one of my students needed help. She was removed from her family for medical neglect. She needed a foster home, and we jumped in. For 4 years now we have had the privilege of raising Chloe as our daughter. We've been through multiple surgeries, getting hearing aids, glasses, a communication device, and now, navigating puberty! We also added our silly little 3-year-old, Chase, to the mix November 1st, 2019 (crazy, I know). We are literally about a month away from actual adoption! Like official new last names and everything for both kiddos. Everything was going great.

Then, on Wednesday February 9th, our family suffered a devastating accident. Kelly brought Chloe in off the school bus and was taking her poncho off. She pushed Chloe's chin to her chest to get the poncho from behind her. We have all done this same motion with Chloe a million times. However, this time Kelly heard 3 pops, and Chloe's arms and legs went limp. Her breathing changed. They both looked at each other and knew something wasn't right. A CT showed Chloe's C2 vertebrae was fractured. This type of fracture is called the hangman's fracture. This is because most people who hang themselves suffer a break here. Our hearts dropped...Chloe was then life flighted to OSF Children's Hospital in Peoria, IL. Because our kids are still in foster care, we must obtain consent from DCFS for ER visits or surgeries. Chloe needed surgery the following day to fuse her vertebrae so she would be stable again. For over 8 HOURS we called DCFS for consent. Chloe missed out on 2 surgical openings because we did not have consent. This means, she needs to wear a halo brace to keep her vertebrae aligned and stable.​

She's scheduled for surgery Monday February 14th. Valentine's Day.

I'm trying to be better about accepting the help people offer, rather than telling everyone "I'm fine!" ​If you pray, send out good vibes, light a candle, or donate some money...we would be forever grateful. No matter what, I will be forever grateful for the Miracle-Ear job listing I found on Indeed. It led me to a group of people who love and care for each other in ways I've rarely seen before. Thank you all for everything you do, everyday, to help others.

Claire, Kelly, Chloe, and Chase Barton