Nova's Cause

Nova Canatella-Baum was born 10/4/12. He was born with a congenital Heart Defect called Tetralogy of Fallot. Nova underwent open-heart surgery 5 days after his birth. The operation was a success, however he had a small bleed in his head a few days later, unrelated, which resulted in him needing a brain procedure to drain off the extra fluid that was accumulating. He is still having a build up of fluid, and his little fontanel is still feeling "full." They have done a Lumbar Puncture to pull excess fluid from his spine, but they are still not getting the drainage they are hoping for in his head. Currently, Nova is being closely monitored by the cardiac team, and by the Neurosurgery team as well. They are planning on performing another Lumbar Puncture this afternoon. If this isn't successful, they will have to do another brain surgery to place a shunt. This can have many side effects. Nova also has had testing come back that shows a genetic problem with Chromosome 10. We are not sure of the severity as of yet, as more testing is still being done. He continues to struggle with lung strength, and has yet to succeed with having his breathing tube removed. Baby Nova will be cared for at Johns Hopkins for an indefinite amount of time. His parents Charlie and Rachel have yet to hold their new son.
Family and friends have been an amazing support during the past 3 weeks of this baby's life, but this family will need support in weeks and months to come. With Charlie missing time from work (and not knowing when he will be able to return) and Rachel being a stay-at-home mother, there is not much room for a decrease in the family's single income. Charlie's "PTO" (paid time off) has run out, as Rachel was hospitalized for 2 weeks prior to delivery with a bleed, and complicated pregnancy. The family lives close to an hour away from Johns Hopkins, and share one car. They also have a 2-year-old daughter, named Charlie Grace, at home to care for. This has been an emotional hardship for the two of them, as they have had to constantly leave one of their children to be with the other. If you find it in your heart to give to this family, whatever it may be, they would be blessed and humbled by your generosity. Giving is not limited to monetary gifts; the gift of your words and encouragement goes a long way to carry this family through this difficult time.

All of your donations will go towards supporting the family while Nova is being cared for at Johns Hopkins. Anything over and above what the family will need will be donated to Johns Hopkins Children's center.

Thank you in advance for the love, support and genuine kindness you have bestowed upon this family. May God bless your giving.