Japonica Boler

I joined the movement to create positive change for moms and babies everywhere, especially those most at risk.

 I became apart of the Preemie community when my delivered my first born son, Cayden, at just 26 weeks gestation in February 2014. My son Cayden, spent a total of 188 days in the nicu. My water broke in my sleep due to experiencing premature rupture membranes also known as PPROM. My doctors couldn’t discover the reason why my water broke early. 
Cayden was born weighing 2lbs and 1oz and dropped down to weighing 1lb and 14 oz. He received oxygen support for over 4 ½ months while in the nicu. Due to having extensive oxygen support, Cayden had early signs of retinopathy of prematurity ROP which later resolved, and he sustained scarring of his lungs that led to the diagnosis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia BPD. He suffered from being failure to thrive due to having an extreme case of gastrointestinal issues. Having gerd resulted in him being fed by oral OG tube, nasal NG tube, and later had surgery for gasostromy g-tube to receive proper nutrition. Cayden was born with having two brain bleeds on the left and right hemispheres that were a grade 1 and grade 2. He also had a heart murmur and a PDA. He received more than 30 blood transfusions. He also had necrotizing entercolitis twice, he had a blood clot in his leg, and five fractures due to having rickets. Upon being discharged from the nicu, Cayden came home on ten medications and had to follow up with fourteen different doctors and specialists. Cayden received early intervention services for developmental delays for fine and gross motor skills, speech delay, and cognitive skills. He also has received private physical, occupational, and speech therapy as a direct result from being born early. 
Currently, Cayden still receives services through school and private therapy for his delays in receptive and expressive communication in language/speech, and cognitive delays. Together, our family chooses to raise awareness not only because of our son but because of all the families we have met on this almost 11 year journey. Our son Cayden will be turning the big 11 in February, and has two younger brothers. Cayden loves sports, playing drums, and helping others. 

With preterm birth and maternal death rates continuing to rise, I’m committed to raising funds so that every family gets the best possible start. But I need your help. 

Please visit my fundraising page to make a donation. Together we’ll be part of a movement to make America a more equitable place and ensure that every mom and baby is healthy.