I would like to take a moment to introduce to you Douglas Ray, My son. He was brought into this world in Jan. 2007. A very healthy looking baby at first. Then the Doctor says that he sees a problem. He has this large birthmark from his front Genital area all the way around to his lower back, he also has a deformity of the Genital Area, made it hard to determine the Sex of the Baby at first.  He was born at 11:14 am, he was taken for test. It was in the evening before we even saw our baby again. Then we had to wait on test results such as a genetic test before we could even name our child. It was the next day before the test came back. We did not know all the details or what to say, we had to put everyone off before we could announce the Baby to even family. The test came back, pure 100 percent boy. We named him Douglas Ray, after his mothers Dad that has passed and his mothers Grandfather.  Our Pediatrician  came in and talked with us about Douglas and assured us he would be ok, he had healthy organs, lungs, heart and everything except for the Genital Area and the Hemangioma (The First we heard of this and knew nothing about).  We were introduced to a Urologist that we really liked, he came by and he has been seeing Douglas every since for the Genital Deformity or Urinary Defects. We do believe he is one of the best for these types of surgeries on Children (Ask and we will tell you how to get in touch with him). We were also informed that the Hemangioma had to be removed before he could do his surgeries.  We went to a Plastic Surgeon who was doing treatments for the Hemangioma. They worked for a while, and then they did not seem to being do much more.  This led to research on a daily basis and with the help of another patient we were helped to get an appointment with a specialist in New York. This is where we stand now.

We also discovered that insurance companies do not pay for Hemangioma treatments, they say they are Cosmetic, We will eventually get into the fight on this matter and try to change this.  This also led us to start the CUD Foundation to help other children with medical needs.  We have a lot of people trying to help us, once it gets going, we will help others. It is hard starting it up and taking Care of Douglas, but he is our main priority. We also do not have funds available yet and are waiting on Donations to Get an attorney to set it up properly. As the funds become available, we will do this and start helping others.

Now, back to Douglas, I wondered and questioned all the time, Why this precious little boy? What have I done?  He is such a precious little man.  In a good mood most of the time, he laugh�s a lot, he plays, he will smile at people, he likes people.  Everyone he meets really loves him. He is a Winner!  He is going to be a real people person, he is smart, at 8 Months old has 7 Teeth and cutting more. He is taking a few steps at the time.  Laughs at about anything. He really brightens up everyone�s day he is around.  Like I say, he is happy most of the time. Now, the Hemangioma is all in the diaper or private area.  It splits, it cracks, it ulcerates and bleeds at times.  The most heartbreaking area is around the anus. Before Douglas has a bowel movement, he makes this loud noise, kind of a breathing in, hurting sound. Then the Screams. It hurts him bad.  His bottom is out of shape and hurts so bad, you cannot wipe him (This has been from the beginning).  We have to put him in the sink and use the Sprayer to clean him.  This is not some time, but all the time and every time. It breaks my heart. There is nothing we can do to help him and we want to so bad. He screams some in the car seat, high chair and just sitting. This hurts also. I ask all the time, Why? I also wonder what he is thinking and how bad it really hurts. It is going to be a long journey to getting him better. We can do it.  My wife cannot work now because she has to take care of him. I explained his problem, and probably lightly, no one else could care for him like a mother can.  It takes a lot of special care and patience. It has brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion. Again, Why this precious child? I ask. Why?  I do believe everything happens for a reason. This may have been our calling to start this Foundation. I love children and it breaks my heart to see one hurt. Especially mine.  We just need some help.  It is hard. Keep an eye on the website. It has a page with update progress on Douglas.  This has not been told to this extent and is hard to write.

Thanks,

Keith Alley