We first met Emma and Leon as our daughters laid side by side in the Memorial Hospital NICU back in August. They were so present. And Aubree was one of the few babies who actually cried. At the time, I didn't realize how special it was to hear that cry... until I read this recent update from Emma:

"It's hard to have the conversation with the Dr. about quality of life. But as we watched her lay there and struggle we had to think about what we would want if it was us."

My heart sunk to the floor. This family needs help.

Like most, Emma & Leon Newswanger were excited to learn they were expecting twin baby girls. And then about halfway in, they were told the twins had twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, which usually comes with a 60%-100% mortality rate. At 25 weeks, Emma went into labor and doctors were unable to stop it. As quickly as they said hello to their two tiny baby girls weighing less than 2lbs., they said goodbye to Alexis. Aubree remained in the NICU, fighting for her life. 

Today, 9 months later, Aubree is still fighting in the NICU. She has struggled with chronic lung disease as well as pulmonary hypertension. Hearing her cry, at least for now, is out of reach. She has a trach and is ventilator dependent. Instead of nursing or bottle feeding, she is fed through a g-tube. They have been to Riley Hospital in Indianapolis for a second opinion, and are currently waiting on a bed to open up at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, OH in their chronic lung unit. The goal is to raise $3,000 by MARCH 1ST to help with the expenses that will accompany this next journey!

Leon (Dad) farms chickens for eggs to sell and will need to stay back to work. Travel expenses will be hefty, on top of bills that are already in piles. More than anything, he wants to be alongside his wife as they trek to Columbus, but may not have a choice.

Please consider supporting the Newswanger family. Your donation could help alleviate part of the financial burden this sweet couple is already facing. They have lived in a hospital for 9 months with no guarantee for what the future holds, but somehow, always muster up the courage to give you a smile.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. We can only hope that with your support, Aubree will be able to experience the homecoming they are so anxiously awaiting and that this family will be at ease as they travel to a new city to find answers.