Brody the Brave
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This fundraiser is being started to help our new nephew Brody Pease and his family, with medical bills, travel expenses, and any other financial needs related to Brody’s diagnosis of Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction (CIP).
Who is Brody?
Brody is a beautiful baby boy who was born on June 25th at the Hartford Hospital and was admitted to the NICU (Newborn Intensive Care Unit) the following day because he couldn’t keep any food down. After spending two weeks in the NICU, he was transferred to Connecticut Children's Medical Center across the street. They put him on IVs to provide nutrients and increase his weight. They monitored him, took x-rays to monitor the progression of fluids in his system and performed a biopsy on his intestines to see what the problem could be. They were able to see that Brodys intestines are not fuctioning.
After spending his first five weeks in Hartford, Brody was transported by ambulance to Boston Children’s Hospital for a second opinion. Once in Boston, he was diagnosed with a rare disorder called Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction. According to Boston Children’s Hospital, only about 100 children per year are born with this disorder.
What is CIP?
Here is an excerpt taken from Boston Children's Hospital's website (link below):
Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction prevents fluids and food from moving though the stomach and intestines. Symptoms vary, depending on which portion of the intestinal tract is affected. Common symptoms include:
- abdominal distention (a bloated or swollen belly)
- vomiting
- constipation
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- feeling full after a small snack
- food aversion
- pain related to the distention or obstructive symptoms
The lack of intestinal function can lead to complications. It usually prevents the body from absorbing nutrients. As a result, many children suffer from malnutrition, failure to thrive, and weight loss. It is common for doctors to suspect and diagnose this condition soon after birth or before a child’s first birthday in the cases of primary pseudo-obstruction.
Meet Brody’s Family
Brody’s parents, Sara and Chad are known for their fun and loving personalities. They always put their family first in everything they do. They have two older children, Andee (5) and Carson (3). Andee and Carson have still not been able to meet their nearly two month old baby brother (due to COVID-19 restrictions). Sara and Chad, have been burning the candle at both ends; taking turns making the hour drive to and from the hospital, spending time with Andee and Carson who don’t understand why their new baby brother hasn’t come home yet and Chad working a full time job to keep food on the table and the mortgage paid on their new home they bought last summer.
A Harsh Reality
Currently, there is no cure for CIP. According to Brody’s doctor, he will need to remain at Boston Children’s Hospital for at least an additional 3 to 4 months and will need to permanently have an ileostomy bag, a G-tube and most likely be on TPN (total parenteral nutrition) long term. Brody is scheduled for another surgery next week.
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is a method of feeding that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. Fluids are given into a vein to provide most of the nutrients the body needs. The method is used when a person cannot or should not receive feedings or fluids by mouth.
Why They Need Your Help
This family’s life has been turned upside down. Sara and Chad are the type of people that would give the shirt off their back and in this time, when they have so much to take on (mentally and emotionally), the last thing they need is to worry financially. Lets show them as much support as we can as they would for anyone else. With the first of many medical bills now starting to come in ($3,000+), traveling costs (tolls, parking, gas); the harsh reality of all the expenses is starting to take a toll.
More Info about Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction
- Chronic Intestinal Pseudo Obstruction | Boston Children's Hospital
Who is Brody?
Brody is a beautiful baby boy who was born on June 25th at the Hartford Hospital and was admitted to the NICU (Newborn Intensive Care Unit) the following day because he couldn’t keep any food down. After spending two weeks in the NICU, he was transferred to Connecticut Children's Medical Center across the street. They put him on IVs to provide nutrients and increase his weight. They monitored him, took x-rays to monitor the progression of fluids in his system and performed a biopsy on his intestines to see what the problem could be. They were able to see that Brodys intestines are not fuctioning.
After spending his first five weeks in Hartford, Brody was transported by ambulance to Boston Children’s Hospital for a second opinion. Once in Boston, he was diagnosed with a rare disorder called Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction. According to Boston Children’s Hospital, only about 100 children per year are born with this disorder.
What is CIP?
Here is an excerpt taken from Boston Children's Hospital's website (link below):
Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction prevents fluids and food from moving though the stomach and intestines. Symptoms vary, depending on which portion of the intestinal tract is affected. Common symptoms include:
- abdominal distention (a bloated or swollen belly)
- vomiting
- constipation
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- feeling full after a small snack
- food aversion
- pain related to the distention or obstructive symptoms
The lack of intestinal function can lead to complications. It usually prevents the body from absorbing nutrients. As a result, many children suffer from malnutrition, failure to thrive, and weight loss. It is common for doctors to suspect and diagnose this condition soon after birth or before a child’s first birthday in the cases of primary pseudo-obstruction.
Meet Brody’s Family
Brody’s parents, Sara and Chad are known for their fun and loving personalities. They always put their family first in everything they do. They have two older children, Andee (5) and Carson (3). Andee and Carson have still not been able to meet their nearly two month old baby brother (due to COVID-19 restrictions). Sara and Chad, have been burning the candle at both ends; taking turns making the hour drive to and from the hospital, spending time with Andee and Carson who don’t understand why their new baby brother hasn’t come home yet and Chad working a full time job to keep food on the table and the mortgage paid on their new home they bought last summer.
A Harsh Reality
Currently, there is no cure for CIP. According to Brody’s doctor, he will need to remain at Boston Children’s Hospital for at least an additional 3 to 4 months and will need to permanently have an ileostomy bag, a G-tube and most likely be on TPN (total parenteral nutrition) long term. Brody is scheduled for another surgery next week.
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is a method of feeding that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. Fluids are given into a vein to provide most of the nutrients the body needs. The method is used when a person cannot or should not receive feedings or fluids by mouth.
Why They Need Your Help
This family’s life has been turned upside down. Sara and Chad are the type of people that would give the shirt off their back and in this time, when they have so much to take on (mentally and emotionally), the last thing they need is to worry financially. Lets show them as much support as we can as they would for anyone else. With the first of many medical bills now starting to come in ($3,000+), traveling costs (tolls, parking, gas); the harsh reality of all the expenses is starting to take a toll.
More Info about Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction
- Chronic Intestinal Pseudo Obstruction | Boston Children's Hospital
Fundraising team (2)
Shawn Eggleston
Organizer
Southbridge, MA
Sara Rondeau
Beneficiary
Amber Eggleston
Team member
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