Dear Family & Friends,

As some of you know I was born with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). Within 24 hours of birth, both of my lungs had collapsed due to the lack of an important protein called surfactant. Dr. Cerny met with my parents and decided the best option was to give me a synthetic dose of surfactant and put me on a ventilator so my body could rest and let my lungs recover. We spent the next 2 weeks in the NICU at Cox South Hospital. 

During our stay, the local Children's Miracle Network (CMN) helped support my family in many ways. They provided a book for my mommy to read to me while I recovered, snacks, drinks, and even financial support to help cover costs that insurance did not pay. This was such a huge blessing to my parents. My mom had been on bedrest for 15 weeks prior to my delivery, and with my dad being self-employed his time off was unpaid. 

8 months later, I wound up back in the hospital with double pneumonia. CMN stepped up again and provided 3 meals to my parents every day so they could stay with me while I got better. Each day, a volunteer would bring me new toys to help entertain me while I recovered. They also helped again financially so my parents could take off work and stay with me the whole time. 

CMN provides so much support to children and parents who are facing unforeseen circumstances. I hope you will consider supporting my participation in this event. All contributions will benefit my local Children's Miracle Network Hospital. Any contribution will help, and all donations are tax deductible.

Thank you for your consideration!

-Easton Washam