Lexie’s Fight — The Little Dancer Who Refused to Give Up.2402
“A Little Warrior: Baby Ian’s Fight for Life”.1820

My name is Maria, and I am the godmother of a beautiful little boy named Ian.
I am also calling out on behalf of my cousin Sam and her husband Colin, who were blessed just a few months ago with the baby they had prayed for and dreamed of for many years.
Ian is now nearing his fourth month on this Earth, yet he has already endured more than most people could imagine in a lifetime.
From the moment he was born, Ian faced significant challenges.
He was immediately admitted to the ICU for the first few weeks of his life.
He was born with a combination of afflictions: jaundice, tongue-tied, and a recessed chin.
While these conditions may have seemed small individually, together they created immediate medical concerns.
Soon, Ian’s parents noticed that his ability to breathe was becoming difficult.
Even subtle changes in his head shape prompted them to seek further medical evaluation.
Following medical advice, Ian underwent a series of tests, including a sleep study, which revealed multiple diagnoses: laryngomalacia, feeding difficulty, craniosynostosis, strabismus, and hypotonia.
It was then that the doctors explained the most critical aspect of his condition: craniosynostosis.
Craniosynostosis is a birth defect in which a baby’s skull bones fuse too early, forcing the skull to grow into an abnormal shape.
Because the skull cannot expand properly as the brain develops, Ian’s head formed uniquely.
This abnormal development directly contributed to his severe obstructive central sleep apnea, causing consistent pauses in breathing both during sleep and when awake.
Due to this condition, Ian now requires oxygen support around the clock and constant care from his parents.
He needs surgery to correct the craniosynostosis, but even with surgery, Ian’s path to recovery will require intensive ongoing care, therapies, and monitoring.
As his godmother, I am starting this GoFundMe campaign on their behalf, because Sam and Colin are humble and devoted parents who I do not believe would ever ask for help on their own.
Baby Ian requires full-time support in the home, which has made it impossible for my cousin Sam to return to work.
The combination of caregiving, hospital visits, and ongoing medical attention has created an immeasurable financial and emotional strain on the family.
Sam has always stood by me through some of the most challenging moments of my own life.
Now, it is my turn to stand by her and support her family during this incredibly difficult time.
Ian, despite everything he has faced, is a little warrior.
In his short life, he has primarily known monitors, tests, and hospital visits, yet one thing is constant: an ear-to-ear grin on his face.
His resilience and joy inspire everyone who meets him and motivate me to reach out to the community today.
Ian’s care is not just about immediate medical needs; it is about giving him the chance to grow, thrive, and live a full life.
The surgery is just the beginning.
Afterward, he will require therapy, continued monitoring, and intensive care to ensure he develops as safely and healthily as possible.
Every hour of support his parents can receive, whether emotional, physical, or financial, directly contributes to Ian’s future.
This campaign seeks to cover the essential costs that are not already provided by insurance:
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Travel and transportation for appointments and procedures.
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Specialized medical equipment and home oxygen needs.
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Daily living costs while Sam and Colin provide full-time care.
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Nutritional and therapeutic supplies necessary for Ian’s growth and development.
Each contribution, no matter the size, makes a tangible difference in the revival of this family’s life.
Every donation is more than financial support; it is a gesture of love, hope, and solidarity with a baby who deserves every chance at life.
Each share of this story, each prayer, and each act of generosity helps keep Ian’s smile alive and allows his parents to focus on his care without the unbearable weight of financial stress.
Ian’s journey is a reminder of the fragility and resilience of life.
Though he has faced countless obstacles in his short time on this Earth, his spirit, curiosity, and joy are unwavering.
Even in the face of monitors, oxygen tanks, and medical tests, Ian’s smile brightens the days of everyone who meets him.
It is a testament to his strength and the love of the parents who never leave his side.
This is not a story of despair—it is a story of courage, determination, and community support.
Sam and Colin are doing everything they can for Ian, but they cannot do it alone.
By coming together as a community, we can give Ian the care, therapy, and chance at life that he deserves.
For those in a position to contribute, your help would be invaluable.
By donating, sharing, or even sending words of encouragement, you are becoming an honorary angel in Ian’s life.
Your support directly impacts his survival, development, and quality of life.
It allows his parents to breathe a little easier, knowing that they are not alone in this battle.
From our family to yours, we offer our deepest gratitude.
Your kindness, generosity, and prayers mean more than words can express.
With your help, Ian can face his surgeries, recover, and hopefully experience a life full of play, laughter, and love—the life every child deserves.
Ian is small, but his spirit is immense.
Every milestone he achieves, every smile he shares, is a victory against the challenges he faces.
By supporting this campaign, you are giving him the greatest gift possible: a chance at life, a chance to grow, and a chance to be a healthy, happy child.
Together, we can help Ian continue his fight, give his parents hope, and create a future filled with love, laughter, and possibilities.
Every donation, every share, and every prayer makes a difference.
Thank you for standing with us and for being a part of Ian’s journey.
With your help, this little warrior will have every opportunity to thrive. ❤️