Support for the Stevens Family

Hello,

Writing this letter is very challenging, but we are in a pickle. We had traveled to St. George, UT, to visit my family and celebrate my niece's 2nd birthday. The most unfortunate event occurred as we were getting ready to head back up Sunday to Salt Lake City. Mikell had just stepped foot outside of our car so that we could say goodbye to my brother, and her water broke at just 28 weeks. I drove Mikell to the nearest hospital and learned we wouldn't leave soon. I write this out because I have been here for four days, learning more about the process and what's next. We are going to be staying here for a long time. Anywhere from 6-12 weeks. The doctors are trying to keep our son, Oceanoa, inside for as long as possible. The goal is to get to 34 weeks, and the only thing stopping us from reaching that goal is an infection, or Mikell's body says so. Once Oceanoa is born, he will live in the NICU as long as needed. Until he can eat, breathe, and keep himself warm, he is not leaving. The NICU has proposed at least until his due date of June 8th.

We are reaching out to anyone who would like to help us during this challenging unforeseen journey. We're considering the possibility of out-of-pocket $50k-$150k in medical bills. Mikell and I will have to use a lot of our PTO and maternity leave once our son is here. For that reason, we are working in the hospital until he arrives.

I am driving to Salt Lake to drop off our two kids on Sunday and will most likely make weekly trips back and forth for them. Luckily Mikells dad lives up north and near, so they will have a place to stay and ways to get around. With everything going on, it is not just challenging for our finances but also for our families.

It would mean the world to us both if we could round up the tribe to help in any way they can. :D

Best,

Ryan and Mikell