Ari and Keegan are parents to their son Clay. They have known each other from high school and were excited when they found out they were pregnant. However, at 20 weeks, they realized that Clay was not developing properly. He had poor lung and kidney development, and they were told by doctors that he had a 10% survival rate. They had to come to terms with having a baby who would not survive.

Ari went into labor at 32 weeks and labored for 5 days until Clay was born. The doctors told Ari and Keegan that there was a 99% chance that Clay would not survive past one hour. After 12 hours, they were instructed to say goodbye. When they entered the room to see their baby for the last time, Clay’s rates immediately went up, and everyone was surprised. 

Miraculously, Clay fought for his life and has been convalescing in Birmingham for over eight weeks. While he’s on dialysis, he should be taken off his ventilator soon. Ari and Keegan are eager to bring him back home to Huntsville.

While they’re in Birmingham, they are able to frequently visit Clay as they are staying in a Red Mountain Grace apartment close to the hospital. They have been impressed with the high level of care they’ve received at the hospital. Birmingham offers world-class care that is often not available in many cities. Ari and Keegan spent their first week in Birmingham in a hotel, and then at the Ronald McDonald house for a couple of weeks. Now that they’re in an apartment with their own kitchen, laundry, and living room, they’re trying to create “any resemblance of normal life we can have here.” 

One of the most important aspects of taking care of a loved one is having support. Both Ari and Keegan’s families have visited and encouraged them throughout their journey. For Ari, her faith has also grown from the experience. “You can’t go through this situation and not have some kind of growth.” 

Ari and Keegan have enjoyed getting to explore Birmingham while they’re here. They recommend riding the scooters downtown and visiting Jay’s Wings and East West. Beyond going home, they’re most excited to hold Clay without assistance.