Kirby & Michael’s Story

Site created on July 17, 2023

Dear Friends,

I am reaching out to you about the Riley family, who hold a special place in our hearts. As you may know Kirby and Michael Riley, along with their daughters Piper and Teagan, are expecting a new addition to their family, baby Wells. They have received the challenging diagnosis of hemimegalencephaly for their son.

Hemimegalencephaly is a rare neurological condition that affects the brain's development before birth. It is characterized by one half (hemisphere) of the brain being larger and structurally different from the other. This difference in size and structure can lead to various health challenges and developmental delays.

It is important to note that hemimegalencephaly can vary in severity from person to person. Some individuals may have mild symptoms and lead relatively normal lives, while others may experience more significant difficulties.

The condition can cause a range of symptoms, including seizures, developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, muscle weakness or stiffness, and problems with movement or coordination. Communication and social interaction skills can also be affected.

In addition to this news, Kirby and Michael were informed that they will need to relocate to Cincinnati a month prior to Wells' birth and be prepared to stay there for an extended period. As you can imagine, there are many moving pieces involved in this journey. 

To ensure that Kirby and Michael can focus on their family's needs, my wife and I have volunteered to act as the point contacts for organizing support. There will be a lot of back and forth between Louisville and Cinicinnati. 

You’re welcome to drop off any gifts of support at the St. Albert Parish office and it will be picked up and delivered accordingly. Another option is to directly contact me through the CaringBridge app or via email, ryanbtsmith@gmail.com

If you would like to do something special for the girls (Piper and Teagan) ex: playdate in Louisville or arrange something special for the family to do in Cincinnati please let me know and we’ll make it happen! 

As a family with strong Catholic ties, the Riley's find solace in their spiritual journey. Let us keep them in our thoughts and prayers, holding onto the wisdom and guidance that our faith provides. May our collective prayers serve as a source of hope, healing, and divine intervention in baby Wells' journey.

Thank you. 

Loving regards, 
Ryan and Crystal

Ryan Smith 
ryanbtsmith@gmail.com 

Newest Update

Journal entry by Kirby Riley

We are FINALLY home! We are so happy to be in the comfort of our own home and able to all be together again! This last week and a half was a whirlwind and I honestly started losing track of the day and time. Long days in the hospital are exhausting. Mentally, physically and emotionally!

First surgery helped, but the second one really made the world of difference. Wells went from 50-100 seizures a day to only about 7 in a 12 hour period. And we have only seen about 5 today. The more days that pass they could potentially get even better once swelling goes down.

After the last two surgeries, we even had a discussion to stay and do another embolism bc the neuro surgeon was confident he could embolize the one small area that seems to be where this new activity is coming from. We definitely want the best for Wells and our family, but we needed a break and time to decide if we wanted to do another embolism so close to his hemispherotomy come May. If he has another embolism, there was talk to postpone his hemispherotomy to when he’s a little older. But, we also have the fear of “what if it still doesn’t help eliminate his seizures and we put him through another risky surgery for not much difference?” Or, “what if he remains seizure free for a few months and then they come back in vengeance and we need to get onto the books again for OR time?” Let’s be real….we all know how hard it is to get OR time! We will have a tele-health call Tuesday to discuss all options. So many decisions and options to think about. And BIG decisions that could effect Wells quality of life. So please keep us (again) in your thoughts and prayers and may the Lord grant us the wisdom and strength to make the right choice for our sweet boy!

On a side note, during his stay, he was able to meet his cousin Eric for the first time! We are so thankful he made the trip over to meet him and visit with us! Aunt Sissy and Uncle Bill were definitely there in spirit with us all ❤️ 
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