09/21/2023
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=215164988235339&id=100092255179535&mibextid=2JQ9oc
Raylan was born on February 16th, 2018, at just 29 weeks gestation. It was discovered that Raylan had stopped growing at 26 weeks gestation which was one of the many reasons for the emergency c-section. He came into this big world weighing 1lb 13 oz, which made him a micro-preemie. Although small he was mighty! Raylan progressed well through his NICU stay, which only lasted 5 weeks and 5 days. He came home on his sister’s 6th birthday, which was a big surprise for her as she hadn’t met him yet. Although at home there were many specialist appointments, testing, therapy, and surgeries ahead for Mr. Raylan.
Raylan was born with a condition called Hypospadias with chordee. He had his first surgery, to attempt to correct this defect, at 11months old (which is 7 months in preemie age). Unfortunately, at age 5 it was discovered that the defect was still not corrected. This meant surgery, again. Raylan underwent surgery for this condition, for the second time, in March of 2023. At his post-op appointment, we learned that this surgery was also unsuccessful. Which devastated us! Now our five-year-old would have to have another surgery if there were to be any chance of him functioning normally as any boy would function. After two failed attempts we decided to research this condition a little further. It became evident that this surgery is more invasive than the average pediatric urologist can successfully perform. Therefore, we found a specialty clinic with two urologists who are dedicated surgeons that work together to correct a Hypospadias with chordee. We reached out and thankfully they took Raylan on as a patient. However, to correct this condition correctly, it will require three separate surgeries. His first one being in October of 2023. Then six months later they will perform the second surgery, and six months after that, the third and prayerfully, the final surgery will be completed. During the months in between surgeries Raylan will have to undergo some therapy to assist with the healing process, so that his body is prepared for each additional surgery.
With three more surgeries ahead of him, we need our community’s support!
