The story of Fynnley

Fynnley was born at 35 weeks, weighing a little over 4lbs and had a series of birth defects that were unknown. She was born with VACTERL Association. VACTERL Association stands for vertebrae, anorectal malformations, cardiac, Tracheoesophageal fistula, esophageal atresia, renal and limbs. Fynnley has all 7 birth defects in varying degrees and has had 17 surgeries at just 18 months old. She will be going in for #18 in just one month. Fynnley spent the first 73 days in the NICU, where they connected her esophagus and stomach, closed off the fistula to her airway and then a few months after discharge they repaired her anorectal malformation. Fynnley will likely require procedures throughout her life to help with her defects. She has been surgically put back together but she will always suffer the side effects from it. Right now she is a happy 18 month old who is incredibly happy, loves to run and play and she enjoys not being in the hospital as much anymore. She is a walking miracle who has fought so hard to be where she is today!