Corey & Catie Witherspoon: Baby Samuel’s Journey

With my sister and brother-in-law’s blessing (Catie & Corey), I am reaching out to share their story...

On Friday December 21, early morning, Catie was admitted to Saint Mary’s hospital in Grand Rapids, MI after her water broke suddenly. After all attempts to keep her baby boy safe inside, contractions began quickly. By early the next morning,  her contractions intensified and were just 2-3 minutes apart. 
On Saturday December 22 at 11:55am, at only 22 weeks and 5 days gestation, Baby Samuel Dean was born. He weighed 1 lb 3 oz and 11.5” long. 
After delivery, Samuel was quickly resuscitated then taken to the NICU. He is on a ventilator and has special lights over him. They said the odds are against him, but he is a fighter! He is holding on and showing everyone how tough he is. 
On Sunday December 23 they discovered a brain bleed level 4, however, a follow up scan on Monday revealed it’s currently stable.  Recently, on Tuesday, Christmas Day, he was having some complications with his lungs, but with treatment he continues to be stable. His big sister, Amelia who is 2 1/2, is anxious to hold him and talks to him during their visits. She says “I love you brother” and brought him a stuffed chick to keep by his side. 

Baby Samuel’s journey is far from over and definitely won’t be without its ups and downs. I ask that everyone to please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during Samuel’s fight. I’m asking for additional help for them due to the financial burden of missed work and hospital bills that are inevitable. They need to stay strong for Baby Samuel and their family during this time. 

Please help me in supporting them through this time.