Help Baby Daniel and his family!

Shortly after twins Daniel and Hallie were born at 33 weeks on 9/21/23 to Ben and Tara Dawkins, Daniel spiked a fever and within hours was on a ventilator. A battery of tests was run, and a severe kidney infection diagnosed. They did an MRI to see if the infection had spread to his brain. It hadn’t but the neurologist explained that Daniel had a stroke in the womb or at birth and there were brain abnormalities that could lead to seizures, autism, and mobility and developmental issues. Physical and Occupational therapy began immediately in the NICU. We are so thankful for the excellent care both babies have received and all the prayers for Daniel, his parents, and his extended family, and count on them to carry us all through this journey that will include on-going therapy, surgery for a tethered spinal cord at 4 months (discovered before a lumbar puncture to check for meningitis), potential surgery on the kidney that’s malfunctioning, and on-going physical and occupational therapy. Tara had to quit working in mid-August due to preterm labor, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes and was hospitalized 3 times prior to giving birth. A retirement account has been drained and savings depleted. Once the babies come home, it’s hard to know completely what caring for Daniel will look like. Most likely, Tara will be caring for him full-time and won’t get back to work until January – 4 months with half the income they need. Their insurance deductible has increased with the babies and in January they will be back to a $5500 deductible before insurance kicks in. It is hard to ask for help, but as Tara’s mom and Daniel and Hallie’s grandma, I’m just not sure how they are going to meet their expenses. If seeing Daniel’s sweet face and hearing his story has touched your heart, please pray for him and, if you can, make a donation. Thank you in advance!