Baby Isaac's Fight Against CMV


If you know or have met Carley and Jacob Parker you could tell instantly that they are amazing parents with some of the biggest hearts around. In August 2016 Carley found out in her first trimester that she had caught a virus called CMV (Cytomegalovirus). This virus is extremely common in children and in more heavily children-populated environments, such as daycares. The virus is not dangerous to anyone that catches it, but can be devastating to a baby if the person that catches it is pregnant.

So began a painstaking series of tests and doctor's appointments to confirm that the virus had been passed to unborn baby Isaac. For almost 7 months Carley and Jacob met with specialists and doctors to prepare them for what could be minor complications such as hearing or vision loss, to the more damaging like brain damage and still birth. Nothing could be known until he was born.

Isaac was born on Monday, February 13th at 11:03 pm weighing just 5lbs 7oz. The doctors began their tests right away to determine how the CMV virus had affected Isaac, and Carley and Jacob received MRI results that would forever change their lives. It was shown that Isaac has a severely underdeveloped brain with his cerebellum and frontal lobe affected the most. The doctors have described this news as catastrophic and one of the worst CMV cases they have seen in an infant. Possibilities right now are endless in what disabilities he might have.

While we don't have many answers right now as to what his quality of life will be, we do have hope and our faith in God is the only thing getting them and our family through this difficult time. Isaac has been in the NICU now for over a week and it could many more before he is released. After he is released from the NICU, Carley and Jacob have many specialist visits to UAB, therapy, and numerous doctors' visits to attend in the fight to help little Isaac as much as possible.

While I know our family is capable of helping them in any way necessary, the financial burden of these appointments are inevitable. Their only concern right now should be Isaac and their sweet family. Even if a donation is not possible, prayer to us is invaluable and just as appreciated!

Thank you for reading and I will continue to post updates as we receive them on his condition.