Elena Richard

As most of you know, our girl Willow was born with a rare genetic defect called Pyriform Aperture Stenosis- the nasal bone is so narrow it makes it hard to breathe through the nose. 

Newborns are obligate nose breathers and do not have the reflex to breathe through their mouths. 

Willow spent the first 4 days of her life intubated and with a feeding tube. I met with countless doctors regarding her care. She was discharged on day 5 and sent home with steroids to keep the swelling down in her nose. Not even a week later and she ended up admitted again for her breathing.

This was the start of an ongoing admittance with her. The pattern repeated itself over and over. At 3 weeks she was diagnosed with Congenital Pyriform Apterture Stenosis. At 4 weeks she underwent her first surgery to open up her nasal bone. She was admitted countless times between that surgery and 8m of age. I have lost track of all the specialists and admits she has had. She now has sleep apnea and a slew of other diagnosis’s. 

She underwent her second surgery at 1 year to clear out scar tissue, open up her nostrils and get ear tubes. Willow had her third surgery which opened up her nasal bone more, removed her tonsils and adenoids and reduced her nasal turbinates to open up her nasal airway as much as possible. She continues to be a warrior throughout every challenge she faces. 

Willow is now 3 years old and an incredible little lady. Although she may have more procedures ahead of her, she is a fighter. Her strength is unwavering and deserves to be recognized.

I will be walking for all of the strong babies and their parents who are fighting a similar fight. Please join me in raising funds for an incredible cause.