Help Baby Winter Heal and Fight for Her Future
Winter Wells is not even three months old, and she’s already survived more than most people face in a lifetime—a rare genetic diagnosis, a near-fatal medical crisis, emergency surgery, and weeks in the hospital.
And this is only the beginning of her journey.
Winter was born strong and healthy to two loving, intentional parents, Addy and Everett Wells. As first time parents, they were at a loss when Winter was screaming constantly, feeding around the clock, and settling infrequently- no one was sleeping.
Then, at 3 weeks old, she completely stopped eating. They rushed her to the ER and discovered she was hours away from cardiac arrest.
She was diagnosed with classic salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a rare and lifelong genetic disorder that prevents her body from retaining sodium or handling stress.
Since that terrifying day, Winter has endured an exhausting series of medical interventions: daily medication regimens, multiple catheters, blood draws, and imaging studies.
She is a week into her second hospital stay, and recently underwent major surgery to drain fluid that has been causing kidney infections and internal pressure. The surgery revealed an additional undiagnosed birth defect that will require another incredibly invasive surgery. She is still hospitalized, fragile but healing, and she’ll need continued surgeries, hospital stays, specialist visits, and medication every day for the rest of her life.
Why They’re Asking for Help
They prepared for Winter’s arrival with love, care, and intention, but they didn’t plan for a lifelong medical condition. Their finances were built for the usual early expenses of parenthood, not the overwhelming reality of hospital stays, rare medications, out-of-town specialists, and ongoing diagnostic care.
They are managing, but they’re stretched thin- emotionally and financially- as they navigate this new reality. Each new bill, appointment, and medication adds to the weight they’re already carrying.
Addy had just returned from maternity leave when Winter was rushed to the ER. She’s now working remotely from a hospital room, trying to manage meetings in between feeding tubes, IV alarms, and sleepless nights. With additional surgeries and a long recovery ahead, she may need to take more time away from work to remain by Winter’s side.
Everett is halfway through a demanding internship that provides essential experience but little financial support. He sleeps on the hospital floor, manages errands, handles logistics, and stands beside Addy through every moment. They are exhausted, emotionally drained, and financially overwhelmed.
They are doing their best to stay strong, present, and focused on Winter, but they can’t do it all alone.
What Your Gift Will Support
Your donation will directly help Winter get the care she needs, now and in the future. Every dollar brings their family one step closer to stability and gives Winter a better chance at long-term health.
Your gift will go toward:
*Lifelong medication to help regulate Winter’s body and keep her stable.
*Future surgeries and extended hospital stays.
*Specialist visits and imaging not fully covered by insurance.
*Travel expenses for care not available locally.
*Emergency baby supplies and medical equipment for home care.
Even a small contribution can lift a tremendous weight from their family’s shoulders.
How Far Your Gift Can Go
$10 provides a real meal for a parent by Winter’s bedside
$20 helps get them to the next specialist visit
$75 covers the next specialist co-pay
$100 covers a month of critical medication
Every dollar gives Winter more of what she needs to stay alive and heal.
Why This Matters
Winter is still here looking bright, strong-willed, and incredibly resilient because she has been fiercely supported through every difficult moment. She endures invasive procedures, pokes, prods, and tubes with the patience of someone far beyond her age. And even in pain, she still finds ways to smile.
They are fighting for her with everything they have. Your support helps them keep going. It gives Winter access to the care she needs while giving them the strength and space to keep showing up for her.
You Can Help Winter Heal
They never imagined we would be in this position, but they’re incredibly grateful for the people who surround them with love, encouragement, and generosity.
If you’ve ever loved a child through illness or crisis, you know how heavy the journey can be. If you’re able to give, please do. If not, sharing this story also means the world to them.
You can be a part of Winter’s healing. You can be part of her story.
Thank you for helping carry this weight. Thank you for believing in her future. Thank you for being with Addy and Everett.