On September 29th, 2020, Braysen was 18 weeks in utero and diagnosed with a 100 percent fatal condition called Bilateral Renal Agenesis (no kidneys present). Ty and I were only given two options: abortion or carry to term and have a stillborn birth. We did not accept either option and started diligently researching other courses of action. During the research, we found The Renal Anhydramnios Fetal
Therapy (RAFT) Trial, a new study for babies diagnosed with Braysen’s condition and similar diagnoses. The RAFT Trial offers eligible pregnant women with a diagnosis of Early Pregnancy Renal Anhydramnios (EPRA) an experimental therapy or repeated or serial “amnioinfusions” of fluid into the womb. After undergoing 25 serial amnioinfusions (fluid injections into the womb), Braysen was born on January 21st, 2021. Even though Bilateral Renal Agenesis is considered 100% fatal, Braysen has defied the odds and is alive and thriving! During his 225 days in the NICU, he underwent 14 surgeries, a stroke, and had many other medical procedures, but he continues to persevere through them all. Although he has overcame these obstacles, he still has quite a journey ahead of him (kidney transplant). He is a living testimony/medical miracle, and we would love to share his journey as he progresses in life!
