Lifting Up Baby Holly: A Family Facing the Unimaginable With Faith and Hope

Mark White | The Mark White Show

Lester, Alabama - We are lifting up a precious 4-month-old baby girl named Holland, lovingly called Holly. What started as a routine checkup turned into a moment that changed everything for her family. During a standard measurement of her head size, Holly’s doctor noticed something concerning. Her forehead looked more prominent, and her head circumference had grown two full inches since her two month appointment, when the expected growth is only about half an inch per month.

A scan was ordered. It revealed a cyst or tumor at the base of Holly’s head that is blocking the flow of fluid and causing hydrocephalus. For her parents, Alex and her husband, this news brought fear and heartbreak. They spent the rest of that day in tears, trying to understand what their baby girl was facing.

Soon after, the family traveled to Birmingham to meet with a neurosurgeon who offered both clarity and hope. The surgeon explained that although hydrocephalus can sometimes require a permanent shunt, Holly’s situation appears treatable through surgery. The goal is to remove the tumor completely. If successful, this could allow her fluid to drain properly and eliminate the need for lifelong treatment.

The next important step comes on December 1st. Holly will undergo an MRI that requires sedation, and she will stay overnight with her parents at the hospital. The following morning, her neurosurgical team will review the results and finalize the safest approach for removing the tumor. Her family is praying the MRI will reveal a small, easily removable mass. Once surgery is complete, Holly will need several days of monitoring due to her young age. She will be five months old at the time of the procedure.

Through all of this, Alex says she has relied heavily on faith. She prays over Holly throughout each day. Their family has placed Holly on prayer lists at every church they can think of. Friends, neighbors and even strangers have reached out with encouraging messages and stories of children who overcame similar challenges. That support has meant more to the family than they can ever put into words.

Holly is dearly loved not only as the family’s first girl, but also the first girl born on her father’s side of the family in more than 20 years. She brings joy everywhere she goes. She loves her dad. She lights up when her brothers Drake and Daxton get close to her and talk to her. She is full of smiles. She is happy. She is vibrant. Nothing about her personality revealed what was happening inside her tiny head. Her family was blindsided, as any of us would be.

As the days move toward her MRI and eventual surgery, the needs are growing. Time away from work, travel to Birmingham, lodging, meals, and medical costs place a heavy burden on this young family. Loved ones reached out to The Mark White Show not only for prayer but also for help sharing their financial need.

A GoFundMe has been created titled, "Help Baby Holland Fight Hydrocephalus." Those who prefer not to use GoFundMe can also send support through Venmo at @CadenWhite02 or reach out directly to Holly’s mother at her email, alex.jade1212@gmail.com, for mailing information or other ways to assist.

Alex hopes that as people follow their updates in the coming weeks, they will continue praying and offering positive encouragement. She is grateful for every message, every call, and every person who has taken her child into their hearts.

When I asked what she would say to all of the churches and supporters who are standing arm in arm with her family, she answered with emotion.

"Thank you so much for caring for my baby as much as I do."

Her greatest hope for Holly is simple and powerful. She hopes the surgeons can remove the tumor completely, that recovery goes smoothly, and that her daughter goes on to live the full, happy, normal life every parent dreams of for their child.

As Holly moves toward her MRI and eventual surgery, The Mark White Show will continue to stand with this family. We believe in strength, clarity and healing for this precious little girl. We ask our listeners, followers and friends to join us in lifting Holly up in prayer and support as her journey continues.