Praying for Michael Morales
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At 20 weeks pregnant, Becky and Derek Morales, were given the devastating news their unborn son, Michael, had a severe and rare heart defect called Hypoplasic Left Heart Syndrome. After doing extensive research and talking to local doctors, they decided Boston Children's Hospital was the best choice for their son to be born. At 34 weeks, Becky, Derek and their 14 month old daughter, Emma, flew to Boston to prepare for Michael's birth.
On April 14, at 3:59 am, Michael arrived weighing 6.15 pounds and 20.5 inches tall. Three days later, Baby Michael's journey of open heart surgeries started. On April 17, at 7:30 am, he underwent a 7 hour, grueling surgery . Post op went well, for a couple of days, or until it was discovered his tricuspid valve started leaking.
Michael underwent his second surgery on April 22, to repair this valve. His surgeons felt it was best not to close his chest cavity, in anticipation of complications. On April 29, the surgeons closed Michael's incision with great expectations of him being medically where he should be, with his condition. On July 21st he had a normal surgery that created a more stable pulmonary blood flow, which seemed to be a complication causing unstable oxygen levels.
Michael's hospital stay, in Boston, lasted for 4 months. During this time, there were problems with oxygen levels, fluid in his lungs and other minor setbacks. Finally, on August 14 and his 4 month birthday, the doctors allowed Michael to come home to his big sister and meet the rest of his family and friends. Becky, Derek, Emma and Michael were together, at last, as a family.
Michael made several routine doctor's visits, as well as a few with minor issues. On September 3, Michael was admitted to OLOL Pediatric ICU due to increased effort of breathing and lower than normal oxygen saturations. Within a few hours, Michael was in severe respiratory distress. He coded while being intubated for central line placement. He was quickly revived and immediately air meded back to Boston.
Michael has the doctors baffled, at this point and they have not determined what caused his most recent set back. He has been extubated and moved from the ICU to a regular cardiac floor, at Boston Children's Hospital, and being closely monitored. Michael still has to undergo a routine surgery, for Hypoplasic Left Heart Syndrome. Of course, he is not out of the woods, and not uncommon for setbacks or complications, at this stage of his life.
Imagine, if you will, receiving this news, as young parents and the chain of events that they have endured, so far. Their family has not been together, since April, except for a couple of weeks in August. They take turns being at home with Emma and being in Boston with Michael. There is nothing normal and routine for them, right now...all the while, trying to maintain normal days at home for Emma and take it moment to moment with Michael in Boston.
Matthew 18:20 says..."For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." We have sustained them in prayer and we need to step it up a notch. This GoFundMe account will help Becky & Derek with their living, traveling & medical expenses. I ask that you look into your hearts and give whatever you feel you are able to give. Any amount will truly help. Please, continue to lift this family and especially Michael to The Lord, in your prayers.
On April 14, at 3:59 am, Michael arrived weighing 6.15 pounds and 20.5 inches tall. Three days later, Baby Michael's journey of open heart surgeries started. On April 17, at 7:30 am, he underwent a 7 hour, grueling surgery . Post op went well, for a couple of days, or until it was discovered his tricuspid valve started leaking.
Michael underwent his second surgery on April 22, to repair this valve. His surgeons felt it was best not to close his chest cavity, in anticipation of complications. On April 29, the surgeons closed Michael's incision with great expectations of him being medically where he should be, with his condition. On July 21st he had a normal surgery that created a more stable pulmonary blood flow, which seemed to be a complication causing unstable oxygen levels.
Michael's hospital stay, in Boston, lasted for 4 months. During this time, there were problems with oxygen levels, fluid in his lungs and other minor setbacks. Finally, on August 14 and his 4 month birthday, the doctors allowed Michael to come home to his big sister and meet the rest of his family and friends. Becky, Derek, Emma and Michael were together, at last, as a family.
Michael made several routine doctor's visits, as well as a few with minor issues. On September 3, Michael was admitted to OLOL Pediatric ICU due to increased effort of breathing and lower than normal oxygen saturations. Within a few hours, Michael was in severe respiratory distress. He coded while being intubated for central line placement. He was quickly revived and immediately air meded back to Boston.
Michael has the doctors baffled, at this point and they have not determined what caused his most recent set back. He has been extubated and moved from the ICU to a regular cardiac floor, at Boston Children's Hospital, and being closely monitored. Michael still has to undergo a routine surgery, for Hypoplasic Left Heart Syndrome. Of course, he is not out of the woods, and not uncommon for setbacks or complications, at this stage of his life.
Imagine, if you will, receiving this news, as young parents and the chain of events that they have endured, so far. Their family has not been together, since April, except for a couple of weeks in August. They take turns being at home with Emma and being in Boston with Michael. There is nothing normal and routine for them, right now...all the while, trying to maintain normal days at home for Emma and take it moment to moment with Michael in Boston.
Matthew 18:20 says..."For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." We have sustained them in prayer and we need to step it up a notch. This GoFundMe account will help Becky & Derek with their living, traveling & medical expenses. I ask that you look into your hearts and give whatever you feel you are able to give. Any amount will truly help. Please, continue to lift this family and especially Michael to The Lord, in your prayers.
Organizer
Holley LaCour Patin
Organizer
New Roads, LA
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