LAURENT from European Union

Little Laurent was born very prematurely at 29 weeks gestation in October 2017. He has been diagnosed with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, multicystic encephalopathy, nonobstructive internal and external hydrocephalus (no shunt), epilepsy which is medication-resistant and causes frequent daily seizures, cavernous hemangioma, umbilical hernia, and specific developmental disorder of motor function. Update August 2022: Laurent’s condition is steadily deteriorating and he no longer responds to environmental stimuli. His seizure activity is nearly constant. He is immobile and dislikes being moved. Laurent is fed via nasogastric tube. The medical team overseeing Laurent’s care foresees a continuing decline in his health. 2021: Medical and developmental information from late 2020/early 2021 indicates that Laurent’s seizure activity has increased, and the hypertensive-hydrocephalic syndrome is intensifying. He spends more and more time in a position of opisthotonos and struggles with inspiratory stridor. Laurent’s physical growth is very slow, and he is occasionally fed via nasogastric tube to ensure the minimally required caloric intake. This little boy waits for a family that can provide care for his lifelong and extensive disabilities and love him just as he is.