Birth Complications End in Tragedy
Donation protected
Angela and Scott were excited when Angela went into labor with their first child, Grace Louise, on July 22, 2016. Baby Grace was a healthy full-term baby, weighing 8 lb. 3 oz. and measuring 21” long, ready for delivery.
Although Angela was in the hospital under a doctor’s care, because of horrific complications during labor—some avoidable and some not—by the time the baby was delivered via crash Caesarean section, baby Grace was brain dead and was put on a ventilator.
After Grace was born Angela was bleeding profusely, in complete organ failure, DIC and was in critical condition. After prolonged surgery, she was moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), put on a ventilator and given a 10% chance of survival. Over the next four days Angela received 40 pints of blood and heavy sedatives for pain. From her liver and kidney failure she gained 60 lbs. of fluid that her body could not release. Angela remained in ICU for six days before being transferred to intermediate care and was discharged after 16 days of hospitalization. While she has come a long way, Angela has a long road ahead to achieve full recovery and continues to need significant physical support.
At three days old, the very difficult decision to take Grace off the ventilator was made. There had been hope that Angela could be stable and conscious enough to meet and hold her daughter before she passed away. Tragically, though Angela was able to hold Grace as Grace died, Angela has no memory of this most precious experience due to her medical condition. Angela is deeply grieving that during the three days of Grace’s life, she was fighting for her own life and had no possibility of being conscious while with her daughter. And no memory now to go back to.
Angela and Scott are experiencing great grief, sorrow and uncertainty. The loss of Grace and their hopes for their family time with her have left them shattered. Due to the complications, it won’t be known for some time if Angela will ever be able to have another baby. In addition to the heartache and Angela’s health challenges, they are now facing a multitude of unplanned expenses. Angela will not be able to return to work as quickly as hoped so they need help with living expenses as well assistance for emotional support and counseling. We are starting a fund to help cover some of these financial needs.
While Angela and Scott have great love, strength and resilience, they can sure use our help now.
Thank You Very Much!
Although Angela was in the hospital under a doctor’s care, because of horrific complications during labor—some avoidable and some not—by the time the baby was delivered via crash Caesarean section, baby Grace was brain dead and was put on a ventilator.
After Grace was born Angela was bleeding profusely, in complete organ failure, DIC and was in critical condition. After prolonged surgery, she was moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), put on a ventilator and given a 10% chance of survival. Over the next four days Angela received 40 pints of blood and heavy sedatives for pain. From her liver and kidney failure she gained 60 lbs. of fluid that her body could not release. Angela remained in ICU for six days before being transferred to intermediate care and was discharged after 16 days of hospitalization. While she has come a long way, Angela has a long road ahead to achieve full recovery and continues to need significant physical support.
At three days old, the very difficult decision to take Grace off the ventilator was made. There had been hope that Angela could be stable and conscious enough to meet and hold her daughter before she passed away. Tragically, though Angela was able to hold Grace as Grace died, Angela has no memory of this most precious experience due to her medical condition. Angela is deeply grieving that during the three days of Grace’s life, she was fighting for her own life and had no possibility of being conscious while with her daughter. And no memory now to go back to.
Angela and Scott are experiencing great grief, sorrow and uncertainty. The loss of Grace and their hopes for their family time with her have left them shattered. Due to the complications, it won’t be known for some time if Angela will ever be able to have another baby. In addition to the heartache and Angela’s health challenges, they are now facing a multitude of unplanned expenses. Angela will not be able to return to work as quickly as hoped so they need help with living expenses as well assistance for emotional support and counseling. We are starting a fund to help cover some of these financial needs.
While Angela and Scott have great love, strength and resilience, they can sure use our help now.
Thank You Very Much!
Organizer and beneficiary
Dick Willis
Organizer
Portland, OR
Angela Marchant
Beneficiary
