Community Rallies Around Phoenixville Baby With Down Syndrome

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — Baby Matthew has some big hearts on his side.

The child, who was born just weeks ago, was suffering from a bad respiratory virus and fluid in his chest, his mother said. He was diagnosed with Down Syndrome shortly thereafter.

For weeks, his parents Ryan and Brittany Hare have had to drive back and forth to the Nemours Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Del. for treatments. Brittany was on maternity leave without pay and the prescription formula was not covered by their insurance, so costs quickly started rising.

But the family soon discovered they were not alone in their fight. Friends and coworkers of Brittany launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist the family in their time of need. Within just a few weeks, it had already raised thousands. As of Tuesday, $3,540 had already been raised.

"Brittany and Ryan are in very high spirits and appreciate all of the support they are getting already, but we decided to do a little more. Being out on maternity is rough but it's especially hard when there are unexpected curve balls thrown in the way," wrote Alyssa Mack, who started the page.

Matthew came from from the hospital on Monday. The family says the money will go towards stem cell treatments for Matthew. The treatments are not required, but they will severely benefit Matthew's physical and cognitive development, Brittany said.

Matthews' mother also expressed her gratitude to those who had reached out to help.

"Words cannot express how incredibly thankful and grateful we are to have had so much support, emotionally and financially," she wrote. "Now we are focusing on what we can do to give him the best life we can."

To donate and to learn more, see here.

Image via GoFundMe