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Hello All, Thank you for taking time to read our story...this is nothing easy to write and I never expected this to be something we would need to prepare for the birth of our son, but here I am, asking for your help.
Our Story
In October of 2018 Joe and I found out the exciting news that our little family would be growing...our due date is June 26 2019. After waiting what seemed like forever we went to have an ultrasound to find out the gender. Instead of the happy experience we had planned for with our family. We were immediately sent to the Emergency Room. That is when we found how that our baby had something wrong. We were referred to a specialist, and on Feb 8th we were told the horrifying news...We had a son,and he has a birth defect that will likely not allow him to survive. At that time we were given the option to abort. Instead we decided that we would not give up and wanted to fight for our son! After countless ultrasounds checking our fluid levels, and MANY phone calls battling insurance, we got referred to Loma Linda Children's Hospital to see their specialist as we know that with his condition, he will need immediate attention after birth. Loma Linda is 90miles away from home but it has some of the best care Hank can receive.
Prune Belly Syndrome
Prune belly syndrome (PBS) is a rare condition (1-40,000 babies) characterized by a lack of abdominal muscles, causing the skin on the abdominal area to wrinkle and appear "prune-like"; undescended testicles in males; and urinary tract malformations. PBS is more common in males. The severity of symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. At one end of the spectrum, the condition may cause severe kidney and pulmonary (lung) problems incompatible with life (resulting in stillbirth); at the other end of the spectrum, the condition may cause few, if any, urological abnormalities. The cause of PBS is unknown. Treatment varies, but usually includes surgical management of symptoms.
https://prunebelly.org
We need help
As much as we hate to ask this, it's becoming very clear that we will not be able to do this on our own. Loma Linda Hospital is becoming our 2nd home. All of our time off of work is being scheduled for appointments 90miles away from home. With the cost of gas and the hours missed from work we are quickly running out of money. We already have several trips a week set up and this can increase as they get more knowledge of the treatments we will need. I will need to have a C-section and leading up to Delivery will most likely have to stay at the local Ronald McDonald House, one downside is someone will have to stay with me, meaning more missed work for Me and Joe. Anything can help! If you can donate, Please do, if you can't, we totally understand but PLEASE share! We have a LONG battle ahead of us in order to give our son life and any support will be GREATLY appreciated.
Thank you so much for everything ❤️
The Cavallo Family
Joe, Becky, Charlotte, & Baby Hank
Our Story
In October of 2018 Joe and I found out the exciting news that our little family would be growing...our due date is June 26 2019. After waiting what seemed like forever we went to have an ultrasound to find out the gender. Instead of the happy experience we had planned for with our family. We were immediately sent to the Emergency Room. That is when we found how that our baby had something wrong. We were referred to a specialist, and on Feb 8th we were told the horrifying news...We had a son,and he has a birth defect that will likely not allow him to survive. At that time we were given the option to abort. Instead we decided that we would not give up and wanted to fight for our son! After countless ultrasounds checking our fluid levels, and MANY phone calls battling insurance, we got referred to Loma Linda Children's Hospital to see their specialist as we know that with his condition, he will need immediate attention after birth. Loma Linda is 90miles away from home but it has some of the best care Hank can receive.
Prune Belly Syndrome
Prune belly syndrome (PBS) is a rare condition (1-40,000 babies) characterized by a lack of abdominal muscles, causing the skin on the abdominal area to wrinkle and appear "prune-like"; undescended testicles in males; and urinary tract malformations. PBS is more common in males. The severity of symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. At one end of the spectrum, the condition may cause severe kidney and pulmonary (lung) problems incompatible with life (resulting in stillbirth); at the other end of the spectrum, the condition may cause few, if any, urological abnormalities. The cause of PBS is unknown. Treatment varies, but usually includes surgical management of symptoms.
https://prunebelly.org
We need help
As much as we hate to ask this, it's becoming very clear that we will not be able to do this on our own. Loma Linda Hospital is becoming our 2nd home. All of our time off of work is being scheduled for appointments 90miles away from home. With the cost of gas and the hours missed from work we are quickly running out of money. We already have several trips a week set up and this can increase as they get more knowledge of the treatments we will need. I will need to have a C-section and leading up to Delivery will most likely have to stay at the local Ronald McDonald House, one downside is someone will have to stay with me, meaning more missed work for Me and Joe. Anything can help! If you can donate, Please do, if you can't, we totally understand but PLEASE share! We have a LONG battle ahead of us in order to give our son life and any support will be GREATLY appreciated.
Thank you so much for everything ❤️
The Cavallo Family
Joe, Becky, Charlotte, & Baby Hank