Mack Hay

Mack is 21 months old—and already fighting a battle most people will never face.

His life began with a traumatic birth that required immediate intubation and CPR. He suffered hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and global brain injury, followed by a month in the NICU. Those early moments changed everything.

At 15 months old, Mack was diagnosed with dystonic cerebral palsy. He also has cortical visual impairment.

Right now, Mack cannot sit independently, crawl, feed himself, or speak.

But that is not who he is.

Mack is engaged, determined, and full of personality. He lights up for Ms. Rachel. He loves his galaxy projector. He gets excited when you count with him. He kicks endlessly in the bathtub and seems to have a real love for EDM music.

He is aware. He is trying. He is working.

Every day, Mack’s life revolves around therapy. His days often begin with occupational, physical, or speech therapy—sometimes multiple times a week. At home, his care continues without pause. He is fed, stretched, supported, and worked with constantly.

His village shows up for him in a big way. While his parents work, his Nanny and Pop care for him Tuesday through Friday—managing his full care, therapy exercises, and daily needs. They are also full-time caregivers for his Aunt Becky, who has primary progressive multiple sclerosis.

This is a family that gives everything they have.

And Mack works just as hard.

Why We’re Asking for Help

We are working to get Mack into an intensive therapy program at the NAPA Center in Charlotte, NC.

This type of therapy is very different from standard weekly sessions. It uses advanced, research-backed approaches like the Neurosuit, SpiderCage, Dynamic Movement Intervention, and VitalStim. Many children make more progress in a few weeks of intensive therapy than they do in an entire year of traditional therapy.

The challenge is cost.

These programs are not covered by Medicaid, and private insurance does not cover them either. The program alone can cost up to $8,000. Because it requires daily attendance for several weeks and is more than two hours from home, travel and housing add to the expense.

Our Goal

We are trying to raise $10,000 to cover the cost of Mack’s first intensive therapy program.

This is not optional timing.

The first five years of life are critical for brain development. This is when neuroplasticity is highest—when the brain can build new pathways that can significantly change Mack’s future abilities.

Waiting is not neutral. It means missed opportunity.

We believe this therapy has the potential to be life-changing for Mack.

How You Can Help

Donate whatever you can. Even small amounts matter.

Share Mack’s story. This is how it reaches people beyond our immediate circle.

Pray for Mack, his progress, and his future.

Closing

Mack is working for every single milestone most children reach naturally.

We are asking for help to give him the best possible chance at independence, communication, and quality of life.

Thank you for being part of his story.

Family and friends of Mack Hay are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with a catastrophic illness. Mack has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because donations are tax deductible for contributors and will only be used to cover medical and related expenses.