I think of my friends Kasie and Rick, the word that comes to mind is love.  I have never met two people in my life who have such a heart to love and help other people.  Kasie has been my best friend and practically my sister for the last 20 years, and she and Rick are the reason I moved to Reno, as I regard them as family. They have that effect on people… they draw everyone close to them.   

Kasie and Rick have dreamed of having children to include in their family. Married in 2004, and after experiencing the heartbreak of unsuccessful fertility treatments and two failed adoptions, they received their miracle. They became pregnant with twin girls.   

Last week this beautiful couple tragically endured in the same day the joy of becoming parents and the agony of losing a newborn child. Kasie was 31 weeks pregnant with her twins when she hemorrhaged due to the placenta separating from the uterus. After being rushed to the hospital and undergoing treatment to stop labor in order to receive treatment for the babies lungs to mature, Kasie had to have an emergency c-section.   

Kennedy Adalyn was born first and did not have a heartbeat and was not breathing. Reagan Mallory was born second and was breathing well with a strong heartbeat. Rick was in the OR with Kasie and watched as a large team from NICU tried to resuscitate Kennedy for over 20 minutes.  Kennedy had inhaled the blood from the placental separation into her lungs and it had clotted.  The team was unable to oxygenate her due to the thick clots obstructing her lungs and airway.  Kennedy ended up passing 5 hours later. Rick and Kasie had this time to hold and love on their precious child, and to say good-bye.    

My friends are devastated at the loss of their beautiful baby girl. The grief is unimaginable. I hurt for them. Reagan is doing well in NICU, but has probably another month or two in the hospital to overcome before she gets to go home. Reagan is truly a miracle.  This event was very unexpected and the loss is overwhelming. Many have been praying for them, and I am so thankful for that. Many have also expressed a desire to help in some way.    

Although they have made plans to save money, the babies came early and they were not able to save what they needed. They will not have enough money for living  expenses or medical expenses.  Kasie was in the hospital for over a week and Reagan’s long term NICU stay will be very expensive.  Although some will be covered by health insurance, the medical bills are expected to be enormous.  

I humbly ask, if you feel moved to help, that you consider contributing any amount you are able to give, and that you would consider sharing this story with others.  More sharing of this story with others translates into more help for Kasie, Rick, and Reagan which is what we are praying for. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your donation  and continued prayers.