Help Marybel and Matt in a Tough Time

We were all excited to learn in the spring of 2013 that Matt and Marybel were expecting their first child.  They went through the nervous anticipation, had the weird food cravings, picked baby names just like every parent, and they looked forward to a Christmas with their new baby.  However, in July last year, Marybel went into early labor and their daughter, Gabriella Rose, was born extremely premature at 19 weeks. Sadly, she did not survive.

Marybel and Matt kept the faith, and even though they couldn’t celebrate Christmas with Gabby, they announced that they were expecting another baby in July 2014.  Hopes were high that, with the knowledge of what happened with Marybel’s first pregnancy, doctors would be able to assist this second baby to term.  Marybel underwent a medical procedure to increase those chances and was ultimately put on bed rest to prevent premature labor.  

Unfortunately, this past weekend, Marybel and Matt have experienced the loss of their second baby, Isaac Daniel, who was born and died on 02/16 just shy of 21 weeks gestation.  

If you’ve ever had a baby, or if you know someone who’s had a baby, you know how expensive it can be, even if you have insurance.  Those expenses are even greater if you have a complicated pregnancy or delivery, as Marybel unfortunately did.  Now imagine that you have to pay those expenses without also experiencing the joy that comes with being a new parent.  Imagine that you also have funeral expenses in additional to medical bills. 

This is what Matt and Marybel are going through right now, while still grieving their babies.  So, we’re passing the hat and hoping that enough people can chip in to relieve some of the financial burden, as well as to show support in this sad time.  Marybel has obviously been unable to work while on bed rest, and Matt had to quit his second job in order to be with her in the hospital, so they could really use the help. 

If you can donate, thanks.  If you can’t, please like/share this or send Matt and Marybel a word of support.  Whatever you do will mean a lot.