Baby Estella Rose NICU Hospital Journey

On April 18th, my daughter Clarissa gave birth via emergency c-section after struggling with polyhydramnios during her pregnancy. She had been going in and out of the hospital since March 29th due to pre-term contractions and dilation and not being able to sit, lay down, or stand.

My granddaughter, Estella Rose was born at only 28wks/6d gestational age and measured in at just 35cm and weighs 2lbs and 8oz. They were able to stabilize baby girl and she headed straight to the NICU and has been there ever since.

While in the womb, Estella was diagnosed with VACTERL Syndrome (unable to swallow and pelvic kidneys). It is a very serious condition. My daughter and her boyfriend, Martin were told that baby girl would require some life-threatening surgeries immediately following her birth. She has already had 2 so far. Clarissa and Martin believe that they have all the right surgeons and providers to care for Estella.

A recent update from Clarissa was on Day 5 in the NICU – “Estella is making great progress after her surgery. Small steps but they’re such huge milestones for her! We finally got to hold her for the first time today.. We also gave her a little birdy bath, hehe. She is starting to take breaths herself, so hopefully in the next few weeks she won’t need to be intubated.. We’re so in love with her tiny self! ”

As you can see, they are in good spirits and so in love with Estella Rose. I am too!

This is my first grandbaby and Clarissa is my firstborn. It breaks my heart to see what they are facing and knowing that I am limited on how I can help because I am disabled myself. That is why I am reaching out on their behalf to ask for your assistance.

The baby will be in the NICU for some time and is possibly facing a lifetime of medical care. Clarissa is still recovering from her surgery and will have to step away from working just to be able to travel back and forth to the hospital each day to be with Estella. It is quite a drive both ways. You can imagine going down to a single income anywhere nowadays is so difficult for any family. So many decisions moving forward and they are going to need the support financially and tons of prayers in faith as well.

I ask that you take time to pray and consider helping them. Please know that whatever any of you can do is so greatly appreciated. All funds will be used toward living and travel expenses and whatever needs baby Estella will have as well.

I thank each and every one of you in advance and ask that God bless you even more.

Proverbs 11:25