Six weeks ago, my brother Jeff and his wife Morgan welcomed their precious baby boy, Mason, into the world. Though he arrived a little early, Mason seemed perfect in every way—peaceful, sweet, and full of life. Jeff, a gentle and loving father, has been devoted to every moment, while Morgan, a nurse and an incredible mother, has already shown remarkable strength. She saved Mason from what could have been a tragedy, every parent’s worst nightmare—Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
But soon after coming home, Mason began to struggle to breathe. What initially seemed like a simple cold quickly escalated into a terrifying situation. His oxygen levels dropped critically low, and even on high-flow oxygen, his tiny body was struggling to get enough air. The local hospital could not manage his condition, so Mason was transported by ambulance to Saginaw Children’s Hospital. There, his oxygen levels plummeted to just 20%. Doctors worked frantically, manually bagging air into his fragile lungs until a NIV Bi-Pap ventilator could take over. No parent should ever have to see their newborn fighting for each breath in this way.
For an entire week, Mason’s oxygen repeatedly dropped to dangerously low levels. He required a ventilator and a feeding tube for survival. Attempts by doctors to wean him from the ventilator—hoping he could breathe independently—resulted in episodes where he would stop breathing, especially during sleep. The cold that had started it all passed quickly, but the frightening breathing episodes persisted. Every test, scan, and specialist brought more questions than answers. After ten exhausting days, Mason was transferred again by ambulance, this time to the University of Michigan Hospital, in search of advanced care and answers.
At Michigan, the situation remained critical. Mason’s carbon dioxide levels became dangerously high, and while the medical team is providing exceptional care, we still do not have a clear timeline or diagnosis. The only certainty is that Mason currently depends on a machine to breathe, and his parents are by his side every second, praying and hoping for the moment they can finally take their son home.
The financial burden of Mason’s care is overwhelming. Jeff has been off work for over four weeks, and Morgan’s maternity leave has ended, but she cannot leave Mason’s side. Even with health insurance, the family is facing tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills. On top of that, there are daily expenses for transportation, meals, lodging, and necessities while they remain near the hospital. At home, their 18-month-old daughter is being cared for by loved ones, but the parents are stretched beyond measure—juggling the fear for Mason’s life and the reality of mounting bills. Their savings are quickly diminishing, and the stress of balancing financial survival with the care of a critically ill child is almost unbearable.
In a country where parents are forced to choose between being present for their hospitalized child and maintaining financial stability, Jeff and Morgan now face that impossible choice. They are not people who ask for help; they are selfless, hardworking parents who have always cared for others. Now, they need us.
Your support—through donations, sharing this story, or keeping Mason and his family in your thoughts and prayers—can make a real difference. Every dollar helps cover medical costs, travel, lodging, and daily expenses, allowing Jeff and Morgan to remain by Mason’s side, focused entirely on his care and survival. Even the smallest gift provides relief and hope in the midst of a terrifying and uncertain situation.
Mason is fighting with every ounce of strength his tiny body possesses. Each breath he takes is a victory, and each small improvement is a beacon of hope. Jeff and Morgan are standing by him, offering love, comfort, and unending devotion. With your help, they can continue this fight without the added weight of financial stress, giving Mason every possible chance to thrive.
Please consider donating or sharing Mason’s story. Your generosity and compassion could help a family breathe a little easier—literally—and ensure that Mason receives the care and support he so desperately needs.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping Mason’s family hold on to hope in their most challenging moments.
Kiara West Warns Parents After Daughter Swallows Button Battery.3751
Kiara West, 24, and her husband Daniel, 22, experienced a parent’s worst nightmare when their nine-month-old daughter, Rosantina, accidentally swallowed a button battery. The tiny, seemingly harmless object caused her severe internal burns and nearly took her life. What began as mild wheezing on February 14 quickly escalated into a critical emergency that would change their lives forever.
At first, the family assumed Rosantina’s symptoms were due to RSV, a common respiratory virus. The local ER sent her home with a nebuliser, suggesting she would improve. But her breathing worsened, and her parents knew something was gravely wrong.
Two days later, Kiara rushed Rosantina to Minnesota Children’s Hospital, where an X-ray revealed the shocking truth. A button battery had lodged in her oesophagus, already starting to burn the tissue. The couple immediately realized the severity of the situation and feared for their daughter’s life.
Button batteries are tiny, shiny, and found in devices like remotes, toys, watches, and kitchen scales. Despite their size, they can cause life-threatening injuries within just 30 minutes of ingestion. The acid in the battery begins to burn the oesophagus, potentially causing permanent damage or even death.
“I heard ‘battery’ and my heart dropped to my stomach,” Kiara said. “I didn’t even know the danger could be this severe.” Daniel traced two possible sources at home—a remote for LED lights and their three-year-old son’s bath toy car.
Rosantina was rushed into surgery, with doctors applying a coating to slow further damage. The operation successfully removed the battery, but her oesophagus had suffered burns that required careful monitoring. She remained intubated for six days, unable to speak or be held by her parents.
“It was the scariest time of our lives,” Kiara said. “She’s only nine months old, and we couldn’t explain what was happening.” Daniel recalled seeing their baby crying and helpless, while they felt powerless to protect her. The trauma of watching their child suffer was overwhelming.
During surgery and recovery, Kiara and Daniel had to absorb the terrifying reality of the battery’s effects. They were told that even a “dead” battery could have caused far more severe damage. Every moment in the hospital felt tense and filled with uncertainty, as medical staff worked tirelessly to save Rosantina.
Since the incident, the Wests have removed all household items containing button batteries. They advise parents to secure or remove batteries from toys, remotes, and gadgets. They also recommend using a play pen or safe space for infants to prevent access to small, dangerous objects.
Kiara emphasizes that even routine objects in the home can become life-threatening in an instant. “Infants explore everything, and curiosity can lead to disaster,” she said. “Checking toys and devices regularly could prevent a tragedy like ours.”
The couple is now on a mission to raise awareness among other families. They hope sharing their experience will prevent even one child from enduring the same ordeal. “If our story saves another child, then some good has come from this terrifying experience,” Kiara explained.
Rosantina is now recovering at home, regaining strength and returning to her playful, curious self. She is back to smiling, giggling, and exploring her surroundings with her usual energy. Her parents describe every day as a gift and cherish each milestone she reaches.
Kiara and Daniel remain vigilant, knowing the hidden dangers in ordinary household items. They urge parents to be proactive, watchful, and informed. Their ordeal has taught them that prevention is the only way to protect the most vulnerable.
“Check every toy, remote, and gadget for batteries,” Kiara says. “Even the smallest button battery can alter a family’s life forever.” The Wests want other parents to understand that vigilance is crucial, as accidents can happen in seconds.
Through their experience, they have discovered the fragility of life and the importance of awareness. The story of Rosantina’s survival serves as a warning and a lesson to families everywhere. Every parent must be alert to the hidden dangers in everyday objects.
Now, Rosantina is a lively, thriving baby once again, thanks to the swift action of her parents and doctors. Her recovery is ongoing, but she continues to make progress every day. The Wests remain determined to protect her and share their story to prevent similar accidents.
The terrifying incident highlights a serious risk that many families underestimate. Button batteries may appear harmless, but they carry deadly potential. By spreading awareness, the Wests hope other families will act before a small curiosity turns into a life-threatening situation.
Kiara and Daniel are now advocates for child safety, using their experience as a cautionary tale. They want other parents to understand that vigilance, education, and proactive measures can save lives. Rosantina’s story is a powerful reminder of how quickly an accident can happen—and how critical awareness can make all the difference.
