- G
- M
- J
https://youtu.be/yaAlunvIYHg
At 19 weeks gestation mom and dad Shannon and Michael were given some distressing news following a structural ultrasound, that their unborn baby (Lena) had a right side Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH), which occurs when the diaphragm doesn't form completely in the developing baby. Essentially a hole exists in the diaphragm which normally separates the lungs and heart from the organs normally found in the belly. The hole allows the abdominal organs to move into the chest cavity on the affected side. This is a life threatening condition for a number of reasons, most predominately due to its affect on the lungs, as the abdominal organs encroach upon the lungs and heart, providing little to no space for them to properly develop. This in turn can severely affect the amount of oxygen a child has to breathe which is why it is such a life threatening situation at birth. Most children with CDH require prompt surgical repair immediately after birth for a chance at survival, and surgery is yet another compounding factor to survivability, as it involves cutting.
To compound Lena's situation even more dramatically is the fact that she was born prematurely at 27 weeks gestation weighing 1lb 11oz. She was given less than a 50% chance of survival. Babies normally begin to produce Surfactant at 20 weeks gestation, however its composition doesn't begin to fully function until the final weeks of gestation and Lena was far from ready to be born under normal conditions, much less with CDH. Surfactant is the substance which allows the little lung sacs the ability to spring back open for breathing to occur after each breath, if they don't re-inflate, breathing is impossible.
Fortunately in spite of such slim chances, Lena has exceeded all expectations, since birth March 29, 2016. It is by the grace of GOD she has been recovering so beautifully and amazingly did not require immediate surgery after delivery, but was able to have the surgery several weeks later allowing her to gain strength. The surgical repair occurred at the end of April and has as a result Lena has an improving prognosis.
Because of the unexpected early delivery, the need to remain in Phoenix near the hospital and taking care of big sister Ayla (4y.o), Michael and Shannon have been unable to work during this time and are in need of significant financial assistance. This need has been compounded by the fact that Shannon had to quit her job as a dental hygienist, and Michael's work as a pipeline inspector requires him to work out of state which is not possible due to the family needs. Currently it is expected that Lena will remain hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit until at least her original expected due date (June 24), and quite likely longer. Shannon's parents have been extremely helpful in helping with childcare for Ayla and in many practical ways. We have been traveling to and from Prescott Valley which is 100 miles north of Phoenix to give her time with them.
Due to the 100 miles distance from the hospital, we cannot practicably live at our house in Prescott Valley while Lena is in the NICU. Our family needs are for daily living expenses thru the end of July, including rent, food, insurances, gas etc. We are have set up this GoFundMe account requesting $40,000 as we have had no income since March, nor have expectations of income until at the earliest August if everything goes like clockwork. We humbly submit our request, and thank all givers in advance, for what we ask is significant in light of our circumstances.
Our family have been continually blessed by the love and support of our church family and immediate family and amazing friends walking through this with us. We stand AMAZED by what God has done in providing LIFE and healing against the odds to our baby Lena, and we know that He has called us to ask in our need as this challenge is greater than we can bear.
With gratitude,
The Jensen Family
Michael, Shannon, Ayla and Lenahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joCKHoK4cgs
At 19 weeks gestation mom and dad Shannon and Michael were given some distressing news following a structural ultrasound, that their unborn baby (Lena) had a right side Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH), which occurs when the diaphragm doesn't form completely in the developing baby. Essentially a hole exists in the diaphragm which normally separates the lungs and heart from the organs normally found in the belly. The hole allows the abdominal organs to move into the chest cavity on the affected side. This is a life threatening condition for a number of reasons, most predominately due to its affect on the lungs, as the abdominal organs encroach upon the lungs and heart, providing little to no space for them to properly develop. This in turn can severely affect the amount of oxygen a child has to breathe which is why it is such a life threatening situation at birth. Most children with CDH require prompt surgical repair immediately after birth for a chance at survival, and surgery is yet another compounding factor to survivability, as it involves cutting.
To compound Lena's situation even more dramatically is the fact that she was born prematurely at 27 weeks gestation weighing 1lb 11oz. She was given less than a 50% chance of survival. Babies normally begin to produce Surfactant at 20 weeks gestation, however its composition doesn't begin to fully function until the final weeks of gestation and Lena was far from ready to be born under normal conditions, much less with CDH. Surfactant is the substance which allows the little lung sacs the ability to spring back open for breathing to occur after each breath, if they don't re-inflate, breathing is impossible.
Fortunately in spite of such slim chances, Lena has exceeded all expectations, since birth March 29, 2016. It is by the grace of GOD she has been recovering so beautifully and amazingly did not require immediate surgery after delivery, but was able to have the surgery several weeks later allowing her to gain strength. The surgical repair occurred at the end of April and has as a result Lena has an improving prognosis.
Because of the unexpected early delivery, the need to remain in Phoenix near the hospital and taking care of big sister Ayla (4y.o), Michael and Shannon have been unable to work during this time and are in need of significant financial assistance. This need has been compounded by the fact that Shannon had to quit her job as a dental hygienist, and Michael's work as a pipeline inspector requires him to work out of state which is not possible due to the family needs. Currently it is expected that Lena will remain hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit until at least her original expected due date (June 24), and quite likely longer. Shannon's parents have been extremely helpful in helping with childcare for Ayla and in many practical ways. We have been traveling to and from Prescott Valley which is 100 miles north of Phoenix to give her time with them.
Due to the 100 miles distance from the hospital, we cannot practicably live at our house in Prescott Valley while Lena is in the NICU. Our family needs are for daily living expenses thru the end of July, including rent, food, insurances, gas etc. We are have set up this GoFundMe account requesting $40,000 as we have had no income since March, nor have expectations of income until at the earliest August if everything goes like clockwork. We humbly submit our request, and thank all givers in advance, for what we ask is significant in light of our circumstances.
Our family have been continually blessed by the love and support of our church family and immediate family and amazing friends walking through this with us. We stand AMAZED by what God has done in providing LIFE and healing against the odds to our baby Lena, and we know that He has called us to ask in our need as this challenge is greater than we can bear.
With gratitude,
The Jensen Family
Michael, Shannon, Ayla and Lenahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joCKHoK4cgs
Organizer and beneficiary
Micheal Jensen
Beneficiary