Team Connor

After five long years of waiting, my friends Mandi and Patrick finally became pregnant. Connor Anton Duggan was born October 14^th 2013 following emergency caesarian surgery. Sadly, he was critically ill and in dire condition, as a result of aspirating on the Meconium. The amazing staff at Boca Raton Hospital worked hard to stabilize him - performing CPR, multiple transfusions and finally placing him on a ventilator. As a result of his continued decline in health and complex medical needs, Connor was transferred via helicopter to Miami Children's Hospital that afternoon. Since his birth, he has suffered several set-backs resulting in the need to perform complex procedures, including being placed on an ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation - a heart-lung bypass for those of us not in the medical field) for four days. As I write this Connor remains in critical condition, tests results are still pending to see whether his brain suffered any damage as a result of a lack of oxygen. Fortunately, there is insurance to assist in some of the costs which continue to skyrocketing including, over $10,000 for his Trauma Hawk flight and $40,000 each day for the ECMO procedure! Additionally, Mandi and Patrick are unable to work until Connor is able to return home, which doctors' indicate being at least two more months. Mandi has a private practice and contracts with agencies for quality assurance services. Patrick budgeted to be on FMLA for only four weeks, any more time away from work will be unpaid leave. While Connor is at Miami Children's Hospital, Mandi and Patrick are staying at the Devonshire Apartments, similar to the arrangements at the Ronald McDonald Houses. This is a wonderful program offering low cost living options and support to families of children requiring significant hospitalization and medical care. Although costs are graciously kept low, this is in addition to their other living expenses which are piling up as a result of being displaced from their home. Also, while their insurance has an out-of-pocket expense cap, it will stop at several thousand dollars more than they can afford, and with no income this poses a severe hardship. I'm asking to please support Team Connor in any way that works best for you. This way mom and dad can focus their attention on supporting Connor during this early and critical part of his life: when he needs it the most.

And as always keep them in your thoughts and prayers!