Baby Erickson Medical and Funeral Expenses

Meet the Erickson Family: Josh, Krystal and Keegan. This sweet family is expecting a baby in September! Around July 11, 2023, Krystal had been informed by her OBGYN that her 22-week anatomy scan revealed her unborn baby was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). HLHS occurs during pregnancy when the left side of the baby's heart is neither developing nor pumping blood as it should. This rare congenital defect requires surgery immediately after birth and a series of surgeries to follow (pending the baby is a surgical candidate).

Following these results, Krystal was referred to Seattle Children's Hospital where a team of specialists would be taking over the remainder of her prenatal care. She and her husband met with doctors at UW Hospital who proposed a plan for when the baby would be delivered via C-section and what to expect for postnatal care. Although, many factors were still to be considered throughout the duration of Krystal’s pregnancy and as ultrasounds persisted. This would determine whether surgery would be the best intervention for her baby. At the time, baby Erickson had potential. Their family was also instructed by the UW team to temporarily relocate to Seattle until the birth took place and surgeries were completed over the course of 6 months.

In the past two weeks, a number of meetings between physicians and those including Krystal, have taken place to discuss any recent changes. Considering further ultrasounds, the doctors have decided that surgery is no longer an option. The team of specialists feel that surgery is too risky, and the baby's condition is worsening. The family has been informed that comfort care is now the direction they are facing.

With new alternatives, Josh and Krystal have decided to deliver in the comfort of their hometown, instead of at UW Hospital. Krystal's OBGYN has hand-picked a date for her C-section and a care team to provide the medication and postnatal care that her newborn will require. Krystal has also met with in-home hospice caregivers who will tend to her baby and keep him comfortable once she is discharged, following her C-section at the hospital in late September.

Krystal is one of my dearest friends and former coworkers. Our sons are just months apart in age, and we have developed our friendship over playdates with the kids. I first met Krystal when I began working at an ambulatory surgery center in 2018. She is one of the hardest workers that I have had the pleasure of working with and has so much love for her family. Please consider how you can help the Erickson’s with upcoming medical expenses and funeral arrangement costs. If you are unable to help financially, I know that they would covet your prayers in this challenging time.