Magic Moments: Dredge Family
For a young family, bringing a second baby into the world should be a time of excitement, planning, and preparing your first kiddo for his big brother duties. But for Austin and Andrea Dredge and their 2-year-old son Huxlee, that exciting time quickly took a turn when they learned that their second baby, Bennett, would be born with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, kyphosis, and bowed legs.
Bennett made his arrival in September via C-section, and over the next few days, he had surgeries to close his back and to place a shunt to help with his hydrocephalus. All told, he spent about a month in the NICU before being able to go home. He’s already made multiple trips to Omaha for surgeries and appointments with specialists, and there’s sure to me more down the road. Bennett has casts on both legs and hasn’t yet been able to move them on his own; it’s likely he’ll be wheelchair-bound, and the doctors will soon be testing to see if that extends to bladder control.
To say the Dredges have had a whirlwind year would be an understatement. But through it all, Austin’s mom Denise and sister Danielle say that Austin and Andrea have worked hard to stay positive — and that’s why Denise and Danielle nominated them for Magic Moments. They know their lives have changed drastically since learning of Bennett’s diagnoses, and they’re working to figure out their new normal. A little extra love and support through the holiday season is just what the doctor ordered, and Union Bank is happy to help.
Holiday cheer for a special family
The Dredge family is extremely close-knit and loves opportunities to spend time together, whether it’s attending sporting events, going to the zoo, or spending time in local parks. Union Bank wanted to make sure they had ample activities to do together, especially for little Huxlee. So, the family received memberships to the Lincoln Children’s Zoo and Lincoln Children’s Museum, as well as gift cards for the Olive Garden and Marcus Theaters. Additionally, the Dredges were given gas gift cards from Super C and U-Stop, a Walmart gift card for groceries, and plenty of laundry detergent to keep up with a new little one. UBT also arranged for suite-level tickets to a Nebraska men’s basketball game and two tickets to any Midwest Ballet Company show for Austin and Andrea to enjoy a date night together — plus, Andrea received a spa package and Austin got a certificate for a massage.
The whole family received new winter coats and boots from Scheels, and Huxlee was showered with books, clothes, toys (including a fire truck and monster truck!), a sled, and a t-ball bat and balls. For Bennett, the family received clothes, toys, a floor play mat, and diapers and wipes. And to top it all off, the family will have new photos taken by a professional photographer.
Bennett’s diagnoses aren’t easy, but he’s got strong parents and a fun-loving older brother who will help make it through. UBT is wishing the best for this special family during the holidays and beyond.
