Franchise Community Rallies Behind Port Orange Family as Baby Colm Fights for His Next Breath

Family seeks support to fund specialized airway surgery in Italy for infant son

PORT ORANGE, Fla., // FranchisePR.com // Aug. 4, 2026 — A Port Orange family is turning to their community, including a wide network of friends and colleagues across the franchise industry, as their infant son, Colm, faces a rare and life-threatening medical condition requiring specialized treatment abroad.

Colm was born appearing perfectly healthy. At five weeks old, his family learned he has a rare venous malformation growing deep within his neck, compressing his airway. Since the diagnosis, the family has faced an ongoing cycle of emergency room visits, hospital stays, imaging, and procedures, closely monitoring his breathing every day, aware that even a common cold could become an emergency.

To donate or learn more, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/HelpColmBreathe

After months of searching for answers, the family found hope. Dr. Giacomo Colletti, an internationally recognized specialist based in Italy, has offered Colm the opportunity to undergo a procedure that could protect his airway and change the course of his future.

The treatment comes at significant cost. Between specialized care, international travel, lodging and related expenses, the family is facing a minimum of $75,000, an amount they cannot cover on their own.

Organized by Caitlin Kirkpatrick, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help the family reach Colm’s care as quickly as possible. As of this release, the fundraiser has raised $600 toward its $16,000 initial goal.

Word of Colm’s story is spreading beyond the family’s immediate circle and into the broader franchise community, where relationships built over decades of business are now being called on for a deeply personal cause.

“No parent should ever have to wonder if their baby will be able to take his next breath,” the Kirkpatrick family shared. “Every donation brings Colm one step closer to the care he desperately needs.”

The community, including friends across the franchise industry, is encouraged to support the family by donating directly or by sharing Colm’s story to help spread awareness.

To donate or learn more, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/HelpColmBreathe