We are reaching out to ask for your support for our sweet baby boy, Jasper Orion Placencia, who is currently fighting in the NICU at UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center.

Born on April 13th and weighing 7 lbs. 11 oz., Jasper has already proven to be a tiny warrior who continues to defy every expectation. Jasper was born with Aqueductal Stenosis, which caused Hydrocephalus, and he also has Callosal Agenesis. These conditions led to a significant and necessary surgery—an Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV)—to help bypass a blockage and allow cerebral fluid to drain naturally. While this surgery was a critical step, Jasper may still require additional procedures in the near future as he continues his recovery.

Currently, Jasper is working hard to gain the muscle strength and coordination needed to bottle-feed 100% of his nutritional requirements. He is getting better every day and is now able to take about 30-35% of his daily nutrition by bottle; he recently had a Nasal Gastric (NG) feeding tube inserted to help supplement his intake and keep him strong. Giving his tiny veins a break from the almost daily need to replace his IV during the first 5 days of his life.

While Jasper fights to get healthy enough for a transfer to the pediatric specialty unit, our family is doing everything possible to be by his side. Our core support system is split between Lake Hughes, Ventura, Wilmington and Barstow.

Jasper’s Great Uncle, James Hornik, has been the backbone of our logistics. Using his personal vehicle, James is averaging 240 miles per day to ensure that Jasper’s Great Grandmother Linda, his mother Ciara, and other family members can be at his bedside 24/7. We want to make sure he is never alone during his journey. We each take turns holding, feeding, and loving on Jasper because, as the old saying goes, "It takes a village to raise a child."

As we look toward the next stage of his care, the family will be required to take on more and more of the specialized medical tasks that are currently handled by the NICU staff. However, the immediate costs of fuel, hospital parking, and meals on the go are mounting quickly. We want our focus to remain entirely on Jasper’s recovery and supporting his mother, Ciara, rather than the financial strain of this grueling daily commute.

How you can help:

Any contribution—no matter the size—will go directly toward travel expenses, food, parking, and essential care for Jasper and his mother. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this page and keeping Jasper Orion in your thoughts and prayers as we face the challenges ahead together as a family.

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