Waverly was born to Chelsea and Zach Brandt in June 2021. This sweet girl suffered hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) that has delayed her development physically and neurologically. Chelsea and Zach are both educators who have devoted their lives to helping children live up to their potential.

Last year, Waverly received an experimental stem cell treatment at Duke University that successfully increased her movement, reactions to her family, and mental engagement. You can read more about this treatment here. Chelsea and Zach struggle to get her medical needs and equipment covered by insurance. They were unable to convince their provider that this treatment for Waverly was medically necessary, and as a result, they paid for the first treatment out-of-pocket.

During a recent discussion with Zach I found out that it is possible for Waverly to get another stem cell treatment. Zach was excited by the possibility and let me know that he and Chelsea are starting to save for the treatment, which will cost $15,000. The sooner she can get it the better chance they have for a positive outcome.

Right away I felt that if Chelsea and Zach's network of friends and supporters knew about this opportunity for Waverly to get another life-changing treatment, many would be happy to help. For this reason, I have created this fundraising page.

Any donations we can raise will help Chelsea and Zach get the treatment for Waverly much faster. Much of the specialized equipment Waverly needs must be custom produced and replaced as she grows. This equipment is extremely expensive and any donations above the stem cell fee would be used to help Chelsea and Zach offset these costs.