Friends and family have been “Prayin’ for Raeynn” since the moment she was born only two weeks ago. The newborn is the daughter of Broken Bow couple Mitchell and Makilah Porter.
Raeynn was born with cytomegalovirus (CMV), a virus that a friend of the couple, Melissa Schulte, explained further.
“She was born with CMV, which is a common virus that, you know, Makilah did carry in her first trimester. Except CMV in newborns and infants causes more serious health problems and it’s day-by-day. So it can cause vision problems, hearing problems, developmental delays. Right now, she has needed three infusions. Her numbers have dropped a couple times and that is the antibiotic that she is on for the CMV. It kind of drops those numbers a little bit.”
An update on the Meal Train page set up for the Porter family says that a second hearing test that was done indicated that Raeynn is deaf. Further testing will be done to determine if nerve presence will allow for cochlear implants, which can be done at as early as 9 months of age. With CMV also commonly affecting vision, an eye test was also performed which showed no damage.
Several avenues have been set up to help Mitchell, Makilah, and little Raeynn both now and moving forward. The family just recently was able to leave the NICU and head home, but travel, appointments, and weekly checkups are ahead.
An account in Raeynn’s name has been established at Nebraska State Bank. Money can also be sent directly to the couple through Makilah’s Venmo account: @makilahporter. A Meal Train page holds a calendar to coordinate providing meals to the family as well as links to purchase gift cards. An online T shirt and sweatshirt store has been created, which gives a large portion of the money made to the Porters.
Schulte talked about Mitchell and Makilah and their strength through everything.
“They’re the most genuine, caring people. Even though they might need the help they would still help you first. The strenth; you know, I always tell them ‘She’s your child for a reason’. They’re probably one of the strongest couples that I have known.”
Those with any questions are invited to contact Melissa Schulte at 308-212-2504.
- Nebraska State Bank account set up in Raeynn’s name
- Makilah’s Venmo: @makilahporter
- Meal train page link
- T Shirt and Sweatshirt store link
Full public affairs interview with Melissa Schulte:
