Van's Victory! Rally with us for hope and healing!

We found out we were expecting our son in March 2024. The next three months were filled with joy as we shared the news with our older children (10, 12, and 14 years old) and the rest of our family and friends. We had our anatomy scan at the end of June where we were both so excited to finally see our growing baby boy, Evander.

In an instant our world came crashing down.

We were told at that appointment that our “baby bean” had a hole in his belly, allowing a portion of his bowel/intestine to protrude outside his body (gastroschisis) as well as a clubbed foot. We were referred 3+ hours away to Cincinnati Children's Hospital for a day full of testing. The doctors were able to confirm Evander had “atypical, complex, gastroschisis” and met with us to discuss other anomalies that were discovered. Evander’s heart was found to have a hole, known as a VSD (ventricular septal defect) as well as coarctation of the aorta, narrowing of the artery that carries blood from his heart to the rest of his body. Evander was then diagnosed with congenital heart disease. He was determined to have an enlarged brain, kidney, and gallbladder as well. We sat together facing a panel of doctors as they explained our baby boy would not only be undergoing surgery to repair his belly, but also open-heart surgery within his first week of life. Additionally, they explained there must be an underlying genetic cause and we should be “prepared for more.” The doctors urged we “relocate” to Cincinnati as quickly as possible.

However, life does not stop for anyone’s tragedy or struggles.

Ideally, both of us would stay in Cincinnati as we await Evander’s arrival, welcome him into the world, and stay with him as he undergoes a tumultuous start to life. Sadly, this is unreasonable for our blended family. Our older children will need to remain in school, our bills will continue to come, our dogs need to be fed and loved, life goes on.

We are going to need help.

Ryan works a hard labor job 10+ hours a day as a landscaper. Unfortunately, his employer does not offer any form of paid time off. Taking off for our testing in Cincinnati has already affected our income so while I must go to Cincinnati for the safety of the baby, he will remain in Owensboro. This is a hard truth we are dealing with, never being apart for more than a workday over the past 8 years, and me being away from my other children, but through God we know we can do hard things. Ryan is going to be taking on my role getting the kids to and from school, doctor’s appointments, band and choir practices, daily cooking and cleaning duties etc. on top of his demanding job. He plans to travel to visit me on the weekends and, God willing, will stay with me once Evander is born to support us through the surgeries and recoveries. To make this a reality, we are asking for support from our family, friends, and community. You can support our family by:

1) Praying for the healing, health, and well-being of our son, Evander.

2) Praying for strength and comfort for us, our children, and our families.

3) Contributing financially to allow our family to stay together as much as possible through this very hard time of uncertainty.

4) Sharing our story to help us have the best chance for success.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any support you can offer our family. We will keep everyone updated with Evander’s progress and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

God bless,

Ryan and Kenzie Lane