Noah was born 3 weeks early due to forced labor, the umbilical cord was compromised due to velementous cord insertion, a very rare condition. He was not getting enough blood and oxygen and they believe he asphyxiated in the womb. Elaina had started early labor 4 days before Noah was born, when he was born the doctors thought everything was okay he presented healthy. That night he had been taken to the nursery and when they thought he was being brought back for a feeding Elaina and Aaron were told he would have to go to the NICU, that his blood sugar levels were dangerously low. While they thought this was the only health problem 3 days later discharge day for Elaina they were greeted by a Neonatologist that alerted them something was wrong, Noah had spiked a fever and they didn't know why. With their consent a Spinal tap was done only to discover it was completely tainted with blood. By accident they had discovered that Noah had suffered a ventricular brain hemmorage, it wasn't until a month later they had discovered how extensive the bleed was. From the hemmorage Noah had developed Hydrocephalus an also rare condition. There currently is no cure for Hydrocephalus! Our family waited day by day week by week for answers. Elaina and Aaron lived in constant fear that they may never bring Noah home, they waited and watched as they did test after test checking for other possible damage to other organs, luckily he was strong and healthy in every other way. After 30 days in the NICU Noah was finally released from the hospital only to wait further for word from a Nuerosurgeon on whether or not Noah would need surgery. We had hoped that Noah would be one of the lucky ones where the condition had resolved itself, unfortunately Noah's condition progressively got worse and two months after being released from the NICU he was admitted to the hospital to have a VP Shunt inserted into his brain. If you've never heard of hydrocephalus or a shunt it is no easy thing to decide on. Without it Noah would not survive and with it Noah will forever be at risk of Shunt failure or infection. Any time an infection occurs that entails 3 weeks in the hospital and 2 surgeries each time one to take out the shunt and another to replace it. Any parent who has gone through this knows you live in constant fear that this could be the day that something goes wrong. If his shunt fails it is an emergency situation. Many people don't understand that once you get a shunt it is for life. With this condition Noah will need long term medical care and observation. Specialist appointments, physical, speech, and occupation therapy for all of his childhood possibly in to adulthood. The extent of the damage will not be known until it presents itself. He will be watched as milestones are met or not. So far Noah is doing great considering everything that has happened to him, the doctors and nurses would say what a fighter Noah is and how resilient he is. Noah would tear out his feeding tube on a daily basis trying to show those nurses he didn't need it any more. The day after surgery Noah still found a way to be himself smiles and raspberries for mom as if nothing had ever happened. Noah is a miracle he has defied the odds and our families hope and pray everyday that he will remain healthy and well and that he will never need another procedure again. His big brother Lucca only 11 months older can't wait to play with his little brother and grow up with him. He already looks after him and tries to make sure he is happy. There are a lot of people in his corner.

We are asking on Aaron, Elaina, Lucca, and Noah's behalf for any donations that you can give. Since Noah's birth Aaron has been out of work on FML without pay. They have used their entire savings to care for Noah, his medical expenses and regular monthly expenses. If any further procedures are needed more time off of work will be needed and further expenses. We thank you for any contribution you make even well wishes and prayers are welcome. - Elizabeth and Julie ( Noah's Grandmas)