Meet our March!
Friends of the Month!
We love celebrating these amazing kids all month long through our social media pages and special gifts through the mail. Read their amazing stories below!
Addison-
My husband, Chad, and I began our journey to expand our family with hope but quickly faced challenges. After three rounds of IUI, I totaled my car and found out I was pregnant the next day. My pregnancy was complicated from the start—I weaned off my ADHD medication but was incorrectly taken off my OCD medication, leading to severe withdrawal and anxiety. After seeking help and adjusting my treatment, I finally began to feel like myself again.
At our 20-week appointment, we learned our baby, Addison, was missing an artery in her umbilical cord, raising concerns about her growth and development. We were referred to Maternal-Fetal-Medicine for additional testing and monthly ultrasounds. Shortly after, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes that couldn’t be managed through diet alone, requiring insulin.
During this challenging time, Chad was laid off from his job, and his father passed away, leaving us devastated. Amidst all of this, my water broke unexpectedly at 33 weeks. I was admitted to the hospital, given steroid shots for Addison’s lung development, and started on antibiotics to prevent infection. At 34 weeks, I was induced, and Addison was born—5 pounds, 5 ounces, and 17 inches long. She was immediately taken to the NICU for oxygen support and light therapy.
Seeing her connected to oxygen, IVs, and monitors was overwhelming, but she fought through every challenge. After eight days, we were thrilled to bring her home. Today, Addison is just over one year old. While she meets her milestones closer to her adjusted age, she is a healthy, thriving miracle who continues to amaze us every day. She knows her colors, can count to 10, knows most of the alphabet, and loves to talk! Her famous line is hmm, where did you go? I don’t know and shrugs her shoulders. We are slowly working on getting walking down, but she prefers to walk on her knees, or hop like a bunny like the famous Ms. Rachel song. We have finally mastered eating after we really struggled with solids, now she is a garbage disposal and eats all her food and of course mine!
Our journey was long and filled with challenges, but Addison is the miracle we received after an incredibly difficult road. We celebrate her strength and resilience, grateful for every moment we share with her.
Cole-
NF1 is estimated to affect 1 in every 2,500 births and approximately 200,000 people in the US are living with it. It is a progressive disorder that causes tumors to form along nerves throughout the body, including the brain and spinal cord.
Severity and lifespan are unpredictable and there is no cure.
Cole was diagnosed at 8 months old when an MRI showed tumors in his optic pathway, cervical cord and lower spine. His tumors were always life threatening and affected his motor development, feeding and respiratory health.
Cole battled until he was 20 months old. He passed away in May 2024 with complications from his tumors.
Cole made a lasting impression on every life that he touched. He was faced with more challenges than most do in a lifetime but always prevailed with humor, love and the sweetest smile. Cole loved to laugh, the sillier we were the better. He enjoyed music, bubbles and watching his siblings play.
With the support of so many family members and friends, Cole was able to live an incredible life. He taught us all to pause and appreciate the little things.
Cole’s mom used to tell him “you’re strong, you’re smart, and you are going to do big big things”. While Cole isn’t physically with us anymore, he continues to do big big things in this world. His legacy has brought more awareness to our friends, family and complete strangers. Those people have shared his story and donated to numerous nonprofits that support children with disabilities.
Elian-
The Testimony of Elián Isaí: A Miracle from God
Elián Isaí was born on January 10, 2017, at 38 weeks of gestation. At birth, he measured 19.5 inches and weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces. However, his arrival into the world was not easy. He was born with a giant omphalocele, meaning that part of his stomach, liver, and intestines were outside his body, though covered by a membrane.
From his very first day of life, Elián faced immense challenges. He spent six and a half months in the neonatal intensive care unit, where he contracted multiple infections caused by viruses and bacteria. Many times, his life was at risk, but God was always with us. During this journey, He gave us a word of encouragement: that no matter what we saw or heard, He had placed this child in my womb, and everything was going to be alright.
After months of struggle, Elián was finally discharged from the hospital with a nasogastric tube. But his strength and will to live were remarkable. Just two weeks after being home, he learned to eat mashed foods. Then, at one year and three months old, he underwent surgery to place a mesh in his abdomen. Since then, by God’s grace, he has been doing very well.
Today, Elián Isaí is an intelligent, loving child with a deep love for God. He is passionate about everything related to the Word of the Lord and loves being part of the worship team at church. His life is a living testimony of God’s power, faithfulness, and grace.
I want to share this message with all mothers who have children with medical conditions: never lose faith. Hold on to God with all your strength because He is great and continues to perform wonders in our children. Even when the journey is difficult, His love and power will always sustain us.
To God be all the glory and honor, for He has been faithful.
Please nominate your Born Abel child as a Friend of the Month! We would love to feature them on our social media pages, illustrate them, make a reel with their story, and send them a special gift in the mail!
FIll in this form to nominate your child today!
