The Veile Family: The B.A.B.Y. Foundation Gave Us Hope

"The B.A.B.Y. Foundation stepped in for us, when all other hope had been lost. We were able to focus on the care our child needed, rather than the financial obligations that followed." – Erin Veile

At The B.A.B.Y. Foundation, we believe every family has a story worth telling—a story of love, resilience, and courage in the face of unimaginable challenges. Today, we want to share the journey of one of our families: The Veiles.

A Sudden Turn After a Healthy Pregnancy

Erin remembers the moment her family’s world shifted.“I had a normal and healthy pregnancy, and nothing to indicate that anything would be ‘wrong’ with our baby upon birth.”

But just one day after Braylon was born in March 2014, the doctor heard an unusual “swooshing” sound between his heartbeats. An echocardiogram confirmed the diagnosis: ventricular septal defect, a sizable hole in his heart.

While waiting for those results, Braylon also failed his newborn hearing screening in his right ear. “Within the first week of our new baby being born we had seen a cardiologist, a nutritionist, a lactation consultant, and our pediatrician twice. We were experiencing such a whirlwind of emotions and chaos with our new baby, it was overwhelming,” Erin recalls.

By five months old, Braylon was fitted with his first hearing aid. By six months, another scan revealed a second heart defect, leading to his first of two cardiac catheterizations.

“Our faith was being tested,” Erin admits.

Scary Episodes and a Growing List of Diagnoses

At just 15 days before his first birthday, Braylon experienced his first seizure. His father, Mike—a firefighter and EMT—answered the emergency call on his own son. Eight weeks later, Braylon endured his first cyanotic episode, turning blue and cold as his body temperature plummeted.

These terrifying episodes began occurring like clockwork every eight weeks.

By age two, Braylon’s neurologist diagnosed him with migraines and a dysregulated autonomic system. By the time he turned five, he had already undergone seven surgeries, four sets of ear tubes, countless doctor appointments, hospital stays, ambulance rides, and tests.

“Our young son has experienced more specialists and diagnosis’ than most will see in a lifetime. He is sweet, yet feisty, he’s a big goofball. And he’s been through so much, that he’s stoic at times, too.”

The Toll on the Whole Family

Braylon’s journey didn’t just impact him—it touched everyone in the Veile family.“Our daughter has witnessed her brother being taken via ambulance multiple times, surgeries and scary illnesses, and yet she remains strong, caring, supportive, loving and protective of her little brother.”

For the Veiles, each day was a mix of fear, resilience, and hope.

When B.A.B.Y. Stepped In

When the financial burden of Braylon’s care became insurmountable, The B.A.B.Y. Foundation was there.“The BABY Foundation stepped in for us, when all other hope had been lost. We were able to pay his medical bills because of this amazing organization and its phenomenal donors, like all of you. We were able to focus on the care our child needed, rather than the financial obligations that followed.”

In 2017, Braylon received The B.A.B.Y. Foundation’s distinguished Wyatt Award—a recognition of his courage, resilience, and determination.

Thriving Today

Now, at 11 years old, Braylon is thriving. His heart function is stable and carefully monitored. His migraines are manageable, and he hasn’t had a seizure in years. Recently, his ENT began exploring a reconstructive surgery that could restore hearing in his aided ear through a prosthetic bone.

Braylon is a lively boy who loves basketball, flag football, and hunting with his dad and sister. He’s social, full of joy, and already dreaming of becoming a firefighter—just like his dad.

Full Circle: From Recipient to Volunteer

For Erin, the support her family received was life-changing. So in 2016, she began volunteering with B.A.B.Y., bringing along her mom, sister, daughter, and niece. “The amount of families B.A.B.Y. has been able to help throughout the years has been so humbling to be a part of. This mission is bigger than all of us.”

Through volunteering, Erin has built deep connections with other families and providers, becoming a referral source to ensure even more children can access life-changing support. She knows firsthand how much even small donations matter. “There is no dollar amount too small to provide a family in need. Your generous donations provide hope, and restore faith when all else may seem lost or forgotten.”

Why Stories Like Braylon’s Matter

At The B.A.B.Y. Foundation, Braylon’s journey is a powerful reminder of why we exist. Behind every medical diagnosis is a family navigating fear, sacrifice, and resilience. And behind every family we serve are generous donors and volunteers who make this hope possible.

“I thank you for listening to our story and for your generosity and support in supplying this great Foundation with the resources that helped our family and can still help so many others in our community.” -Erin Veile