This is a true story of ten moms who had babies in 2013, met at a lactation support group, and formed a mom group--Who vowed to help each other no matter what in times of need!  We have supported each other through many of life's storms (and done our share of trash-talking through fantasy football seasons).  

We have moms in need and we are asking for support for our latest offspring to join the group!  

*****❤️❤️❤️Baby Gummy Bear❤️❤️❤️***** ️

Kari and Debbie are expecting their fourth child in June 2019.  Their first three are the most amazing kids, which is no surprise to those who know Kari and Debbie!  Kari and Debbie keep it  and we all love being a part of it all together.  

Kari and Debbie met as Gators at the University of Florida nearly twenty years ago.  Go Gators!  In 2013, they were finally able to start the family they had dreamed of having.  As you can see, their family is already in love and excited to welcome Baby Gummy Bear.  

Now for the reason for our request -  At almost 19 weeks along, they found out that Baby has a rare and extremely complex heart defect requiring that Baby have open heart surgery five days after birth, followed by two other surgeries by toddlerhood.  Fittingly, they looked to University of Florida Shands Children's Hospital, where Debbie plans to deliver the baby to ensure a smooth transition prior to the Baby’s first surgery.  

We want the moms to be able to support each other during birth and for the family to be together during and after the surgery in Gainesville.  This will require accommodations, child care arrangements, travel expenses, and medical expenses.  

Please help us support this family and allow them the ability to focus on the delivery and recovery of the newest member of the family! 

More details about Baby's condition and what the journey for this family will be over the next year from Kari:

Baby's heart has been diagnosed with Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome (HRHS), which is a broad, general term.  In this specific case, Baby's HRHS condition consists of tricuspid atresia, ventricular septal defect (VSD) and transposed great vessels/arteries (TGA).  Tricuspid atresia means that the right side of the heart is underdeveloped, the tricuspid valve is not developed, and there is no way into the ventricle; it is closed off.  Transposition of the great vessels/arteries means that though the aorta is supposed to connect to the left ventricle, it connects to the right in our baby's heart.  The pulmonary artery that is supposed to connect to the right ventricle is in fact connected to the left in our baby's heart.  Ventricular septal defect means that there is a hole between the right and left ventricles that should not be there.  These conditions also mean that our baby's heart has hypoplasia of the aorta, meaning the aorta is too small/narrow.  Also, coarctation is present, or a discrete area of narrowing of the aorta that should not be.  

This complex congenital heart condition requires the most complex and risky level of heart surgery (Society of Thoracic Surgeons [STAT] category 5) on Day 5 of life.  The first surgery is called the Norwood surgery.  The second surgery (the Glenn) is at 4-6 months of life.  The third (the Fontan) is at 2-4 years of life.  The most risk to the baby occurs from birth through the first surgery and the second most risky time of life is after the first surgery until the second surgery is complete, when frequent medical follow-up is required. 

We expect Baby to be born between 37 weeks (June 21) and 39 weeks (July 5), at which time, labor would be induced.  Debbie will have to relocate to be near the hospital of delivery no later than 36 weeks.

We are hopeful, but we have learned enough to know that the first year is not an easy road.  We do appreciate your prayers, support, and kind words.