Dawsons Fund

In July I found out I was pregnant. We were very very excited, at 10 weeks we found out that I had been RH sensitized--this happens when a mother whose blood type is RH- is pregnant with a baby who is RH + and their blood mixes. Usually a shot of rhogam helps avoid this from happening, but for whatever reason, after my second child was born the rhogam did not work.  At 17 weeks we found out we were having a baby boy, and at 18 weeks we went to Magees for our first blood transfusion where they inserted a needle into the umbilical cord from the outside and gave baby fresh blood to keep him alive. Between October and January when he was born we had 5 of these procedures done. On the third procedure we found out that Dawson's platelets were also low and made the pregnancy was even more of a risk.  I was highly monitored by doctors from Johnstown and Pittsburgh and on Monday the 19th I went in for an Ultrasound to find out baby was not doing well. We were sent to Pittsburgh expecting a transfusion but Dawson was showing signs of fetal distress and the decision to deliver him was made.

Dawson was born on Monday January 19 at 32 weeks gestation, after a very long and trying pregnancy. He is currently in the NICU at Magee's women's hospital, while our home is back Northern Cambria.  I've tried very hard not to ask much of anyone, and have been more than supported by friends and family through the past months, but now we have a new hurdle that involves frequent drives to and from Pittsburgh, paying for rooms while we are there, food, gas, parking and any other expenses that come up over the next few weeks. We struggled with the decision to set this page up because we do not like to have to ask for help, but so many people have asked what they can do or get for baby and this is priority right now.  Everything helps a lot... $15 buys us a night at the ronald mcdonald house, parking on days Andy comes out is going to run around $20 at Magees, and food and other neccesities while we are there will add up quickly...all while maintaining the same needs at home for Cassie and Dominic when Andy returns to work and I live part time in Pittsburgh.  We appreciate everything anyone has already done, or can do, to help us through this and hope some day we can find a way to repay everyone.