Baby Walter: Boston Bound

Baby Walter is the toughest little guy I know and the sweetest little soul. He has hugs and kisses for everyone he meets and fills the air with beautiful belly laughs. I am very anxious to be sending my chubby little cherub into major surgery again, but I know it is what's best for him and his future.

Baby Walter has been through a lot in his short life. He suffers from a rare syndrome called Syndromic Microphthalmia III, which is caused by a mutation of the SOX2 gene. This syndrome caused several birth defects, but the most critical has been Long Gap Esophageal Atresia. Walter was born without an esophagus. At 4 months of age, with the help of so many friends, family, and generous donors, we had Walter transferred to Boston Children's Hospital to be treated by the fantastic medical staff with the Esophogeal Atresia Treatment Program. He spent his first 10 months of life in the hospital and endured 5 major surgeries and more than 20 trips to the Operating Room. But after every procedure, this tough little guy comes out with a smile on his face.

When Walter was finally discharged from the hospital in August of 2014, we knew we would be coming back for another surgery called a jejunal interposition. This surgery will hopefully allow Walter to be able to eat and swallow normally and to be able to survive without a feeding tube.

Your purchase or donation will provide funds to support our family while we are away from home with Walter. This will include transportation to and from Boston for Mom, Dad, and Jane (and Walter the lap baby), lodging for our family while we are there (Patient housing is reduced cost, but not free!), local travel (we usually walk, but sometimes take a cap or the T when we need to go far or are leaving the hospital after 11pm), food and incidentals like toiletries.

Baby Walter is a little warrior and we are so grateful for your support!