Patch’s Story

Site created on July 30, 2020

On the evening of July 27, 2020, Ray and Amber Hailey’s 22 month old son, Patch, was airlifted from Bend, Oregon to OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland. The doctor’s immediately went to work trying to identify the cause of some concerning lab results. They ran a CT scan and found the presence of some tumors in his stomach and in other areas of his body. After running several tests, the doctors have diagnosed Patch with a rare form of cancer called neuroblastoma. It has metastasized and is pressing on his kidneys, heart, lungs and possibly beyond. 
The lives of Patch, Amber, and Ray have been turned upside down during this whirlwind of events. They undoubtedly will be hit hard with the emotional and financial burdens of this situation. They have been told by doctors that their initial stay at the children’s hospital will be at least 3-5 weeks, and to plan to be close by after that. Their home in Bend, Oregon is about a 3 hour drive, and it will be impossible for either of them to continue working for the foreseeable future. We are asking anyone who is willing, to help in whatever way you can. We want to support this precious family of three during this extremely difficult time.



Newest Update

One Year

Journal entry by Amber Hailey —

One year ago today our lives changed forever when we went to a doctors appointment for what we thought was teething. We never imagined this would happen.                                         
                                                 
-138 days inpatient
-20 of those in the PICU
-3 ER visits
-2 Ambulance rides
-1 Airplane ride
-Countless blood draws, blood and platelet transfusions                             
-2 surgeries 
-1 intubation
-Multiple sedations, CTs, MRIs, bone scans, bone marrow biopsies, feeding tube replacements, and dressing changes
-More vomit than we ever thought possible
-5 camping trips
-Too many bike rides to count
-Co-sleeping
-2 coast trips
-Thousands of dollars raised so we can focus on taking care of Patch
-SO many care packages
-People from all areas and times of our lives reaching out to support

A very wise person once reminded me many people don’t have the gift of receiving this kind of support in their lifetime. Thanks to everyone for showing up for us, praying, making space, and giving us grace. Thus far, we are one of the fortunate ones. Patch was given a 50% chance of survival and we don’t take it lightly that many with the same diagnosis are not as fortunate. 

We return to Portland August 9th for regular scans to ensure there is no new disease and then the 15th for round 3 of immunotherapy.
Read More of the journal titled "One Year"
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