Help Gabby Jane's Family

I would like you to meet Gabriella (we call her Gabby). She was born with multiple birth defects called OEIS Complex and she needs your help.


Hi, I'm Melissa Hildenbrand, proud grandmother of Gabriella Jane Smith, newborn daughter of Jarek and Jennifer Smith (my daughter and son-in-law).  


Gabby was born on July 20th, 2016 and we have already fallen head over heals in love with her. While Jen and Jarek are having a difficult time thinking about all of the surgeries that Gabby has ahead of her; add in the long stay at the NICU and the frequent 4 hours distance (about 250 miles) between their home and the hospital, and you can see how very stressful this situation is for the whole family. We have been told that Gabby will spend a minimum of 4 to 6 months in the NICU and very likely longer.

Gabby has a rare series of birth defects named OEIS:

O = Omphalocele (um-fal-o-seal)
A large growth where the organs in a childs abdomin develop on the outside putting the child at risk for infection, pinching of organs, and underdevelopment of the chest cavity (causing breathing complications).


E = Exstrophy
It's a condition where the bladder and parts around it form inside-out. This condition can come in numerous forms.

I = Imperforate Anus
This is where the large intestines don't meet with the rectum to form a proper anus which causes serious infections with multiple organs.

S = Spinal Defects
Usually a defect called "Spina Bifida" where the spine doesn't fully close off and could create a hole in the lower back of the child. Gabby has a myelocystocele (my-low-sist-o-seal), where a large sack grows around the spina bifida holding on to nerves and spinal fluid.


Gabby had her first surgery today (7/25), to seperate her bowel from her bladder and it was a success!!! She is a trooper! She will have a surgery around 3 months of age to reduce/reconstruct the myelocystocele. At about 12-18 months she will have her omphalocele reduced and eventually have her abdomen closed. Gabby also has a right lower limb reduction and will need surgeries on this limb to make it viable for a prosthesis. 

All money raised will be put towards Gabby's medical bills and to help defray the cost of travel and meals away from home. 

Several family members and friends have asked if we were going to do a Go-Fund-Me campaign. We've hesitated because doctor's warned us that she may not survive post-birth. However, we're happy to say that she is stable and fighting on.

To all of you we say thank you from the bottom of our hearts, for loving us and caring enough to ask. Thank you to anyone and everyone who decides to donate towards Gabby's care, no matter how small the donation is. We will appreciate every penny! And thank you to everyone who has been so kind and compassionate to Jennifer and Jarek during this trying and difficult time. We firmly believe that all lives matter, even little bitty ones!