Avery’s battle with CDH

Update: 6/12 Avery needs a Nissen surgery and a g-tube placed next Friday. She has an abnormal esophagus and has severe reflux so the bottom of her esophogas will be tied around the top of her stomache. 

Above is what's going on now since her CDH repair

Above is what her insides looked like before her CDH surgery on 5/7/18


Beginning of their story :

Brigette and  Mike Dondero were so excited to find out they were expecting a baby girl after two previous miscarriages - this is their rainbow baby. At the 20 week anatomy scan, baby Avery was diagnosed with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), effecting only 1 out of 3000 babies.  The diaphragm is the muscle that separates the organs in the abdomen from moving into the chest, which inhibits lung growth.  In Avery’s case, her stomach, intestines, spleen and  40 percent of her liver have moved into her chest cavity, which has moved her heart over to the right and stopped her lungs from growing to their full capacity like a normal baby. She will not  be able to take her first breath when she is born because she will be immediately put on a ventilator. When she is stable she will need surgery to repair the hole. Her life will start in a neonatal unit fighting for her life unlike a regular newborn. Her recovery process will be extensive and ongoing throughout her life.

Sadly, only 50% of these babies survive, which is why they are seeking the best medical care available. Avery’s journey is not exclusive to her alone and this search is unfortunately coupled with a severe financial burden. Bridgette and Mike will need to relocate their entire lives, as well as maintain their newly purchased home on Long Island.  Brigette will most likely have to give up her job. Moving expenses, housing and food is just the surface of what this move will require, on top of medical expenses and the physical stress they must endure.

Please find it in your hearts to help this family and allow baby Avery to have a fighting chance.  Any little bit helps and is greatly appreciated.