Brayden was born in 2007 and Dallas found herself a single mom, trying to figure out why her son wouldn’t look at her. After seeing multiple doctors, they were given the diagnosis of Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (historically known as Septo Optic Dysplasia). She was told that her son couldn’t see anything and sent on her way. 

She began a Facebook group looking for other parents navigating this new world so she wouldn’t feel alone. The response was overwhelming to say the least. She states that she wasn’t sure if it was comforting that she wasn’t alone or that it was shocking to see how many others had the same diagnosis. Either way this began a very important journey for both Dallas and Brayden. 

The appointments filled their schedules very fast. All of the possibilities of what could or couldn’t be a part of the diagnosis were so much to take in, but they took it as it came. Finally, a visit to Dr. Mark Borchert in Los Angeles gave them both a lot of hope. Brayden may not be able to see fully, but with the right interventions and resources, he would be able to reach his best potential all around. Brayden was set up for an MRI which showed a missing septum pellucidum, thin corpus collosum and underdeveloped bilateral optic nerves. After a full endocrine work up, Brayden did not appear to have any hormone deficiencies. 

At 2 years old, Brayden had his first seizure resulting in a diagnosis of epilepsy which is now under control and managed with medication. Brayden has also been diagnosed with autism and ADHD. Brayden has struggled with the school system. He is a very intelligent teen who is able to jump through hoops and often skips them, forgetting the foundation in the middle. They have had to take some steps back to work on the foundations of education before allowing Brayden to use the very powerful knowledge he has that seems to come natural. He is successfully attending a non public school and is currently in 8th grade. Brayden enjoys building animatronics, video games, and researching toys from the 1980’s, Teddy Ruxpin being one of his favorites. He loves music of all types and has just about every form of musical device there is. 

Dallas and Brayden met Dallas’ fiance in 2018. There was a connection neither knew was possible. He treated Brayden as his own and taught him the structure and discipline a young man needs to thrive. He has become a vital member of the family and made his commitment to Dallas and Brayden official in May, 2021 when he asked Dallas to marry him. Between the three of them, along with all of the other families that have connected with, their drive to make a difference in the world is unstoppable. Spreading awareness and educating others about Optic Nerve Hypoplasia is more than just a passion, it has become a major part of their lives. 

If Dallas could offer one thing to families, it would be for them to “know they aren’t alone”.