Baby Jeffrey

Jeffrey James Cullingham was born august 3 with a congenital birth defect of the esophagus called esophageal atresia.

Esophageal atresia is when the esophagus is not attached to the stomach and there is a gap between the top half of the esophagus and the bottom half . Jeffreys esophagus was attached to his trachea so he has had one surgery to correct and repaid his trachea however this poor family has to wait for the rest of his esophagus to continue to grow naturally before he is able to have his second surgery to connect the esophagus to his stomach. He has been staying at sick kids since August 3 has undergone 9 surgeries since his birth and will most likely be there for another month or two. Jeffrey currently receives his feeds through a small stomach tube and will continue to use this for the first year or so until he is able to successfully eat orally but this will take some time to learn and get used to.

The feeding tube pump will cost $950.00 to rent as well as the cost of supplies and formula for the pump which are undetermined at this time.

This has caused financial hardship on this poor family. They have another child who just wants his baby brother home. Unfortunately the family has chosen not to bring their first child to the hospital after bringing him once, as its much too emotional for him. Jeff and Christina are down at sick kids daily visiting baby Jeffrey and leaving their other son with friends, family and sitters. To try to divide their time between their two children right now is a struggle emotionally, physically and financially. They travel from their home town on a daily basis which is about 2 hours or more from Toronto with traffic. They have to purchase a Parking pass which is $250 a month and the gas going back and forth. Sick kids has offered a hotel at a discounted rate but they would be responsible for $100 per night and would then need to make arrangements for Noah their other child.

Jeff the proud father of 2 has recently applied for parental leave but won't receive anything for another 6 weeks and Christina is self employed and unable to work at this time as she is back and forth to the hospital to see baby Jeffrey. Christina is trying to work but the availability is non existant and she is phically mentally and emotionally exhausted.

This poor family who are very dear friends of mine are struggling and I wanted to make this page to help them out. Their struggles are not over. Jeffrey is a trooper and bouncing back from all his surgeries. They are trying to maintain a positive mindset through these struggles but they just want their baby boy home for the sleepless nights.. eveing feedings.. and to have their family as a whole.

Any amount of donation would be appreciated. Thank you all for taking the time to read.