Mother's Day in the Park for Marley May 8, 2011

My name is Marley Jeanzy O'Neal. I will be born in May and during my moms pregnancy the doctors found that I have hydrocephalus, commonly known as water on the brain. The outcomes are uncertain since in babies the cranium has not formed it allows the head to enlarge and accommodate the water that accumulates within the ventricles. This does however put pressure on the brain and while it can "bounce" back much like that of a wet sponge once the fluid is drained damage can still occur. There are great possibilities still for me! Stem-cell infusions have come a long way and treat over 80 different diseases today. Hydrocephalus is among one of them. These cells have the ability to migrate to the damaged area of the brain, improve motor and neurological function and promote healing. The results may lead many researchers to suggest that the infusion of newborn stem cells from cord blood can alleviate damage to the brain tissue, reduce muscle tightness, and improve gait and mobility-related symptoms in humans.

My parents, Chad and Tina O'Neal, are holding a FUNDRAISER to make my chances of having this done possible. I hope you will join them on SUNDAY, MAY 8TH, at the Landing in downtown Ft. Walton Beach from 12-6. There are raffles for FREEBIES at Helenback, Buffalos Reef, Coasters, and Skullys on the Bayou. Stop by and have lunch with us! Incredible BBQ plates done by National BBQ chef are being sold with pulled pork sandwiches, 2 sides and a drink and all proceipts are being donated to me! AND there will be a silent AUCTION for prizes from the commuity such as a professional photo shoot, vacation packages, clothing, bar tab from Howl at the Moon, and more! You dont want to miss this! What a great way to spend mothers day-helping a mom!!!

As it stands there are many medical miracles and possibilities that can help me have as "normal" as possible life. My mom and dad are doing everything they can to ensure they have all the knowledge and know how to make all these possibilities a reality for me! With as fast as technology is advancing there's no telling what else will be out there in the years to come. For now, I will be born in mid May, just as soon as I am ready, and will immediately have fluid drained. After that it will be a constant monitoring process and all things possible my infusions, which offer better results the sooner they are given. I can't wait to meet all the people who have given them support and helped make the best chances for me possible! Thank you all for all the love and support that has held my mommy up in a time that she never knew she was capable of holding it together!