Maine Baby Battles Infection After Surgery for Hirschsprung’s Disease
ARUNDEL, Maine — Kelsee Jacobs received heartbreaking news this week about her 22-month-old son, Braeden, who has been battling a severe congenital condition since birth. Jacobs said Braeden developed a “really bad infection” around the site where surgeons in Boston placed a cecostomy tube on March 9. The tube is meant to improve his quality of life as he continues to fight a rare disorder in which parts of his intestines lack the nerve cells needed to function properly.
Braeden was diagnosed with Hirschsprung disease shortly after birth, a condition affecting approximately one in every 5,000 babies, according to the National Institutes of Health. The disease impacts the colon, making it tricky to pass stool. Jacobs noticed early symptoms, and the family has since navigated a complex medical journey.
The cecostomy tube was surgically implanted to help manage Braeden’s condition, providing an alternative route for bowel movements. However, the recent infection represents a significant setback. Jacobs described the infection as severe, requiring immediate medical attention and raising concerns about potential complications.
The family’s struggles extend beyond Braeden’s medical challenges. They are also grappling with significant financial burdens. Frequent trips to Boston for treatments, including the cecostomy tube placement and ongoing care, have accumulated substantial expenses related to gas, parking, and medical bills. The family’s dream of owning a home remains unfulfilled after a contractor abandoned a construction project, leaving them responsible for outstanding payments to subcontractors.
Currently, the family is staying at Bergeron’s parents’ house while they attempt to manage the financial strain. Jacobs is utilizing her entire paycheck to address the construction debts, while her fiancé, Chris Bergeron, is using his income to pay off mounting credit card bills. Jacobs’ mother, Kimberly, relocated from Florida to assist with Braeden’s care.
Braeden’s condition has presented varying degrees of severity. At times, he experiences periods of relative well-being, but these are often punctuated by episodes of intense discomfort and difficulty. Previously, Braeden could go up to two weeks without a bowel movement, causing significant distress. Botox treatments in Boston have helped to increase the frequency to once or twice a week, but the recent infection threatens to undo that progress.
When blockages occur, Braeden experiences intense pain and sleep deprivation, sometimes getting as little as 30 minutes of rest per night, according to Jacobs. The cecostomy tube was intended to alleviate these issues, but the infection now complicates the situation.
A GoFundMe campaign was initiated in October 2025 following the unexpected passing of Jason, Kelsee’s previous partner, to help cover expenses for Kelsee and their three children, Lucy, Jack, and Ruby. Lucy, who is autistic, requires additional support, adding to the family’s financial and emotional challenges. The fundraiser aims to assist with funeral arrangements, housing, childcare, therapy, and daily living costs.