Okay, bear with me as this is a longer update!!

The last two weeks have been exactly what we all needed. While we had high hopes for improvement we go into everything with open arms. The balance of living hopeful and surrendered daily. 

Going into the intensive we definitely had goals but nobody can guarantee specific outcomes, timelines, or development. We just know these types of therapies work and we are so thankful we got to experience it first hand. 

Before the intensive Finn was constantly fussy and irritable, he barely had awake time that he was content even in our arms. We spent a majority of our time doing our best to keep him calm. 

So a huge goal for this first intensive was to focus on regulating his nervous system in hopes to improve his irritability as well as his digestion and sleep. 

She utilized light therapy, laser therapy, neurostimulation and neuromodulation technology, and so much more. 

After just a few days we started seeing changes in him. He was calming quicker after getting upset and handling treatment better. As the week progressed he started “talking” more through his cries and it’s been the cutest thing - this change in cry was a specific improvement she looked for as it shows maturity happening in the brain. He became more alert and aware of us and his surroundings. This is all just the beginning! Seeing these types of changes in him is truly incredible and shows us how much more he is capable of. 

Overall improvements:

-decreased irritability, having periods of time he is content with us with little effort on our part to calm him 

-better sleep (naps and night time) 

-more alert, paying attention to lights and toys, more steady eye movements 

-improved digestion - pooping everyday!! This is a big deal!

-change in cries - not just screaming/crying but “talking” and communicating with different cries and noises

-a lot more “little” improvements that others wouldn’t notice from the outside but are steps in the right direction for Finn’s continued healing 

This is a major improvement in his quality of life (and ours) because of this treatment! 

I’ve cried many tears of relief seeing changes in our sweet boy knowing SO much more is possible. We cannot wait to go back after seeing the positive impact these two weeks had on Finn. 

We are so thankful for this foundational work that we will continue to build on. Some aspects of the treatment we will be able to continue at home with the tools we have been able to purchase. There are a couple of tools that we would love to add to our at home treatment as soon as we have the funds. 

For optimal improvement we would be going back to Austin for treatment every 2-3 months as well. 

Since there are also other therapies we are planning in the next few months we are having to prioritize where the funds go that we currently have while we work to raise more. 

As we move forward this is what the funds we raise will be used for:

-Purchase this red light panel for at home use - we utilized this in therapy every day and it makes a huge difference in the amount of therapy he can tolerate, his body’s recovery time, helping him have energy to process the treatments, and so much more! It is currently on sale for Black Friday so we would love to get this soon. 

Red light panel -

The stand for the red light (not 100% necessary but would make it much easier to use) 

BIOMAX XL Motorized Horizontal Stand

-Lucas Brain Rehab (in Austin where we just went). She recommended returning every 2-3 months but our goal is to get there 4 times throughout 2026. If we go for a week it is $5500 each visit. If we go for the full 2 week intensive it is $11,000 each visit 

-Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy - this is an 8 week long program that costs about $13,000. The sooner we can do this the better. Our hope is to start this in early January. We were referred to a doctor in New Orleans who is the best in this field but we learned of an option in DFW that is still with a medical doctor (a very important factor) and is experienced in pediatrics (also really important). It would obviously be ideal to stay local so we are praying through this and making sure it’s still a great option for Finn

-DMI intensive therapy - this is also something that we ideally would do multiple times throughout 2026. Our goal is to schedule the first one for January or February. We are still looking into options for this that aligns with our goals for Finn and will update with more details once we know. This can range in price anywhere from 5-10K plus travel depending on location 

As you can see the costs of these treatments are high but SO worth it for the impact they have on Finn! 

We are really encouraged by his progress even though we have a long way to go and we hope you are too!