Many people have been asking us how to further assist the Bishop (and Venable) family during this time. We want to share their story.

As many of her friends know, Carissa developed a condition called Cholestasis during her last trimester of pregnancy, along with some other complications. Because of these complications, she was induced almost 4 weeks early on Wednesday, January 15th. She ended up having to have a C-section, welcoming sweet Cora into the world. Cora is a miracle baby and a rainbow baby. Carissa's levels were dangerously high, and we are so lucky Cora is here safe with us. As the OB was closing Carissa after her C-section, she had a massive hemorrhage requiring an emergency hysterectomy and 15 units of blood in the OR to save her life. She had another emergency surgery the next morning to stop additional bleeding.

She remained in the ICU 2 days following to monitor all vitals, and was finally able to reunite with Cora in the maternity ward on Friday. Cora and Ryan were discharged Monday, and Carissa was scheduled to be discharged Tuesday to recover.

On the way to their first pediatrician appointment Tuesday, Ryan, Janice (Carissa’s mom), and Baby Cora were rear ended on the highway. Thankfully Ryan and Cora are okay (Ryan is sore, Cora was cleared by CHOA), but Carissa’s mom was unresponsive. She was taken to the ICU at Grady Hospital, where they discovered a brain bleed and a collapsed lung. Janice's right leg is not properly functioning. Through CT's and MRI's, it's been confirmed additionally that Janice has fractured ribs, sternal bones, and a slipped disc in the T3/4 location (causing issues in her legs), which she just received surgery on this afternoon. 

Right now, Janice is still a trauma patient and her recovery is expected to take around a year. Carissa's siblings (living in Charleston and Augusta) are staying in town in Atlanta near Grady Hospital to help support the family. Carissa's mother Janice also lives out of town in Charleston, so most close family and friends are hours away.

The best way to specifically help the Bishop family is to donate to Carissa and Ryan's postpartum doula care, so they have additional support during this time of healing after major trauma with Carissa's surgery and uncertainty with Carissa's mom's journey.

However, the entire family really needs support. Whatever money raised beyond what is needed for postpartum care will assist in taking care of meals, hotel bills, and unpaid time off work for Carissa's siblings who are by Janice's side at Grady.

Funds will also be used to remodel Janice’s house to be accessible. 

Please PRAY most importantly for all involved, and give if you feel led. Thank you so much.