Cash’s Story

Site created on November 4, 2019

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting. Soon after we returned home from our trip to Georgia in July 2019, Cash had a bronchoscopy with his pulmonology team and the results of that showed his airway (trachea) has worsened over time.  After his initial fistula repair on his third day of life, the hope was that his airway would strengthen as he grew, but that has not been his story. He has been referred to Boston Children's Hospital, and will be under the care of physicians and surgeons who specialize in kids just like him.  The team there will do their own assessments during the week of October 21, and if surgery is deemed the best option for a more functional and comfortable life for Cash, it will take place on November 1**. The procedure is called a tracheopexy (-pexy meaning 'to attach' in Greek); there are a couple of variations depending on what they see during their time with Cash. His trachea could be attached to his sternum or his spine - it's possible they won't know until the operating room which is the most viable.  The attachment will result in a more open airway that will function much like a typical child, with the hope being that he can overcome respiratory illness easier.   Recovery is said to be 10 days and then we will have another set of follow ups before flying home. We welcome all prayers and thoughts for Cash, the medical team, travel, our family separation, and everything in between. 

**see updates to this in first journal entry.

Newest Update

November 16, 2019

Journal entry by Kelli Dunlap —

Home and reunited! Charlie and Cash were so happy to see each other and have played together nonstop. Cash did great on the flights home, the pilots even invited him into their "pilot room" as Cash calls it. 

Our next visit with BCH will be virtual, but I am planning to keep the site open and provide updates as available. 

I gave birth to my hero 4 years ago and he continues to amaze me with his strength despite the odds not in his favor. We look forward to the years of health and growth ahead. 

Thank you for being with us on this journey towards a better life for Cash. Every step has been graced with your love and support, and knowing how much you all care for our family leaves us humbled and filled with gratitude. 

Ever forward,
Kelli and Nathan 
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