Baby Harmsworth Medical Support

Dear Friends,

On July 21st, Sarah and Josh visited the ER to check on Baby #5 (due mid-September) after Sarah had been experiencing prolonged intense abdominal pain and previous consultations were not returning answers.

Sadly, after many hours of waiting, the doctors returned with a diagnosis of hydrops — excess fluid in the baby’s tissues and organs — which was also causing a high heart rate of 240bpm for their baby boy.

Sarah was then flown by med plane to Honolulu’s hospital to receive specialized care for this serious condition. Since being there, the doctors have administered heart medications in an attempt to lower baby’s heart rate, and in time, will hopefully lead to the excess fluid being flushed from his body. The fluid returning to normal levels before birth is imperative, as this can often be fatal once outside the womb.

All of the tests leading up to this point have taken many days, and now, there are many more days of waiting and watching ahead to see how effective the medication really is. While Sarah has experienced uncomfortable side effects from the high dosage (slowed heart rate, tight chest, visual disturbances, etc.), we praise God the medication has seemed to stabilize baby’s heart rate around 130bpm for some time. The doctors say it can take weeks to see fluids decrease.

In the meantime, Sarah and baby need to be closely monitored, with no end to their hospital visit in sight just yet. Josh remains faithfully by their side, sleeping on hospital chairs and serving Sarah day after day while working out family logistics during this time of so much uncertainty.

Once fluid levels drop, Sarah will still need to attend twice-a-week appointments in Oahu and will be delivering at the hospital followed by time in the NICU postpartum because of their high-risk situation. Because of all this, a large sum of unexpected medical-related expenses has come up, proving to be extra challenging since Josh will be unable to work for an extended time.

We would love for everyone to come together to help lift the financial burden from their shoulders. Below is a breakdown of what the funds will be going towards. Anything above and beyond will be a blessing to them as they welcome Baby #5 shortly.

$3,500 - Airfare for kids' visits over 4 months

$8,000 - Oahu Housing (2 months)

$6,000 - Work (2-month leave)

$2,500 - Oahu Car

$600 - GoFundMe Fees

Total: $20,600

*Budget was updated on 07/28 as new information becomes available

Thank you for contributing to this need! Please join us in prayer for:

* Accelerated drop in fluid levels for baby

* Absence of side effects from medication for Sarah

* A safe, healthy and full-term delivery

* Comfort for their other four kids (Westley, Olive, Arlo & Charlie) as they are with their grandparents back in Kona

* Wisdom and divine solutions for nurses & doctors

* Rest, peace and perseverance for all

Many thanks and all our love,

Sarah & Josh’s family