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Help Baby David


David’s Story


A Rough Start

Newborns are supposed to be fussy, right? And of course, all new babies lose a little weight in the beginning. But what started out as mild irritability and weight loss quickly spiraled into ongoing doctor visits and multiple hospital admissions for little baby David.

David Ruiz was born on October 26, 2020. After 2 years trying to conceive, parents Meilin and Rey Ruiz were excited to welcome the 6lbs 11oz baby boy to their family. Unfortunately, their initial joy was short-lived. At just 3 days old, David began exhibiting some unusual symptoms. At their first pediatric check-up, David lost 13% of his body weight and his mild case of jaundice had escalated at an alarming rate. He spent 2 days at Children’s Hospital of Georgia undergoing phototherapy.

After that brief hospital stay, David spent one week at home. It was just enough time to celebrate his big brother’s 5 year-old birthday. The Ruiz family was looking forward to settling in and bonding with their new family member, but life had other plans.

At a follow-up appointment, David still had not gained weight and the jaundice had returned. He had also developed new symptoms. The pediatrician felt it best to admit David to the hospital again. That marked the beginning of their latest hospital journey.

David went in to the hospital November 10th and as of November 28th, has just been cleared to go home. Since that time he has developed a laundry list of other issues including a staph infection (MSSA) on his fingernails, thrush in his mouth, severe dermatitis in his diaper area, a urinary tract infection, and acute reflux. However, the biggest concern is his struggle to gain a healthy weight.


Treatment

The doctors do not know the underlying cause of David’s symptoms but they are doing their best to treat them. Physicians from multiple areas of study have consulted on his case including Hematology & Oncology, Immunology, Dermatology, Gastroenterology, Epidemiology and Wound Care. David has withstood multiple tests in an effort to find a diagnosis including x-rays, MRI’s, spinal taps, daily bloodwork and cultures.

All of the testing has been emotionally draining for both him and his parents. Recently, an Occupational Therapist was added to the team to help baby David cope with pain. Since he has experienced pain for most of his life David pulls away when you try to touch him because he thinks it’s someone that’s going to stick him with a needle or hold him down for a scan. It’s absolutely heartbreaking for parents to see their child hurt and not be able to help them.


Looking Forward

Thankfully, the infections appear to be under control and no new symptoms have surfaced. David also appears to be gaining some weight after they placed an NG tube for continuous feeding. He’s working with a Speech Therapist so that he can learn to take a bottle by mouth. The family is hopeful that after discharge they will be able to finish their treatments from home.


How You Can Help

First and foremost, the family requests your prayers. They have faith that God will give the doctors wisdom on how best to treat their son and that ultimately he will be healed of all sickness and disease.

Secondly, they need financial assistance to cover medical expenses for the various hospital stays, doctor visits and procedures. While they planned in advance to pay for labor and delivery, no one could have anticipated the additional expense of 18 days in the hospital.

Your donation will be used to cover medical expenses incurred during their hospital stays as well as costs for on-going treatments and medications when they return home.

If donations exceed their goal amount, the remaining funds will be used to help with loss of income from having to take time off work.



Note from the organizer:

This year has been difficult for everyone but I cannot imagine having a new baby and being faced with an unknown illness, as well as a mounting debt to care for him.  No parent should worry about taking care of their child or family. I am very fortunate and hope that if there is one thing I could give back, it is peace of mind for this family while they face this challenge.  Please help me make this campaign go viral and achieve their goal.  No donation is too little.  Even sharing online is just as helpful in the campaign. 

Thank you for helping us!

Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $50 
    • 3 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $260 
    • 3 yrs
  • Dwayne Byrd II
    • $100 
    • 3 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $240 
    • 3 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $240 
    • 3 yrs

Organiser and beneficiary

Marissa Swart
Organiser
Augusta, GA
Meilin Ruiz
Beneficiary

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