Emmerson's Medical Expenses

This is Josh, Emmerson & Brittney. If any of you know Brittney; you know that she would do anything for anyone, she's involved in many charities, and would give the shirt off her back in a heartbeat. Josh has made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, he is a Marine that was awarded with a purple heart for his service. Emmerson is our special little fighter, and CDH survivor is that cutie in the middle.  CDH (Congential Diaphragmatic Hernia) occurs when the diaphragm fails to form or to close totally and an opening allows abdominal organs into the chest cavity. This inhibits lung growth.The cause of CDH is not yet known. 

Everyone knows one of the most exciting events that happens once you find out you're expecting is the gender appointment. I'll never forget the look on my sister's face when we walked into the ultrasound room, I immediately could tell something was wrong. Brittney & Josh being the strong-willed people they are never said a word about the heartbreaking news they had just been told, they selflessly let us enjoy the moment as we found out "it's a GIRL!"


Although it was always on their minds and they knew best and worse case scenario, Josh & Brittney treated their pregnancy just like any other. I never heard either say a negative word about all of the doctor, surgeon, specialist, ultrasound etc. appointments they had to go to. They were doing exactly what they needed to make sure Emmerson was in the best hands possible after delivery. It was known that Emmerson would have to have surgery after delivery to repair the hernia in her chest. The severity of the hernia wouldn't be known until birth.

Fast forward to August... it was finally time for Emmerson to make her apperance. Everyone felt a whirlwind of emotions, excited to meet Emmerson yet nervous about the unknown. We all knew that Emmeron would be in the NICU and we wouldnt be able to see her (only Josh & Britt). Still, Josh & Brittney continued to stay positive and be nothing but supportive for each other. After days of being in labor, and many hours in the hospital the desicion was made that Brittney was to have a c-section. With the waiting room full of family everyone anxiously waited to hear the exciting news; how much she weighed, how tall she was, and what color hair she had.  August 24th at 7:02 pm Emmeron Kash Barnes had arrived she was 8lbs9oz and 22inches.

After birth Emmerson was sedated and hooked up to all necessary monitors. Brittney and Josh weren't able to hold Emmerson due to the cords, but they sat by her bedside and watched her day and night. The following weeks were full of ups and downs... this is Emmersons journey:

August 24th Emmerson was born:


August 29th Emmerson had her Hernia surgery & Josh got to 'hold' her for the first time while they changed her bedding:
August 30th (5 days after she was born) Brittney got to hold Emmerson for the first time:

September 18th Emmerson graduated from ICU and got moved to progressive care:
This was great news, and was the next step to Emmerson coming home. Emmerson was to have surgery to have a g-tube (stomach feeding tube) placed so she could come home... but the night before the g-tube surgery Emmerson didn't feel well and after a scan it was determined the hole had re-opened and she needed to have another hernia surgery. She was sedated and put back in the NICU until she could be scheduled for surgery. Although the news was devastating, everyone remained positive & kept praying.

October 2nd Emmerson had her second Hernia repair surgery, and at this time they also placed her g-tube to decrease the number of surgeries she would need:


Emmerson once again proved how tough she is and was released from NICU and back in progressive care in a matter of days.

The day had finally come, October 13th Emmerson was released from the hospital.
Finally, the weight had been lifted and everyone could relax and enjoy miss priss. Since the surgery needing to be re-treated three times was unheard of, it was the last thing on anyones mind.

October 17th Emmerson got sick and had to be taken to the ER. She was kept overnight and had her THIRD repair surgery the following day:

Emmerson was released October 21st, and I'm happy to say has been healing like a champ! She is such a fighter and has been thru more surgeries than most of us will ever have to endure.

I've seen my sister and Josh worry throughout the pregnancy, I've watched them have countless days and sleepless nights in the hospital worried about Emmerson, and now I see the stacks of bills that come in daily. While Emmerson does have insurance and met her $12,800 deductible in a matter of hours, it doesn't put a dent in what they owe. Brittney and Josh both work and have NEVER asked anyone for a penny, and I know that they never will.... and that's why I'm asking for them. I want them to be able to enjoy Emmerson and all of the joy she brings, not worry about what bill is due next. Emmerson still has to go to the specialist and probably always will, she also has to have at home nurse visits and in office doctors appointments, as well as gastrologist for her feeding tube..  the bills will probably never stop coming but any donation towards her medical bills would be appreciated more than we could ever express. Thank you so much for reading Emmersons story. Please share & keep her in your prayers!

"good things come to those who believe. Better things come to those who are patient & the best things come to those that NEVER GIVE UP" {CDH quote}