Hope for Baby Ianaconi

Lily and Joseph Ianaconi have been so excited to know that they are expecting their first child, a baby boy, in May of 2020.  Early in pregnancy, Baby Ianaconi seemed to be developing well. However, after an anatomy scan, it was discovered that  Baby Ianaconi has a  CPAM  (a mass), and at that time, it seemed to only affect one lung. 

Since December, Lily and Joe, both public school music teachers, have been traveling once a week to Burlington, VT in order to have weekly scans of Baby Ianaconi's lungs to monitor the CPAM at UVM Hospital. This mass is considered extremely rare, but it is something that the UVM team has seen before and they were in great hands.  The mass stabilized and even shrunk in size.  In early March, they went for their normal scans and the doctors noticed an abnormality in the baby's other lung.  UVM wasn't sure what was going on and they were sent to Boston Children's Hospital. After a day of tests including an MRI, ekg and consultation with the head of surgery and radiology, they were given a diagnosis. A second mass was discovered in Baby's other lung. After a great deal of research it has been determined by the hospital that a case like this has never been seen before in any US or European Hosptial. Lily and Joe were advised to temporarily move to Boston on April 1 in order to give their baby a chance at life.  Lily and the baby are currently being closely monitored, and at any moment Lily may have to be induced so they have the available resources to care for the baby. When born,  Baby Ianaconi will immediately have to be placed on an ECMO and then undergo an extensive surgery. This surgery is extremely risky, as they may have to remove the left lung entirely. Baby will require significant medical intervention in order to survive. 

In addition to leaving their home in Malone, NY, they will have to find the means to live in Boston for an undetermined amount of time, and face medical expenses associated with these circumstances. Going through this experience during a pandemic is only creating a more challenging circumstance for them. 

In spite of all that they are facing, Lily and Joe have become incredibly positive and strong parents. Lily and Joseph have devoted their lives to helping educate the young minds of tomorrow. They spend their time working extensively in their schools and community. They have shown their students that even in the darkest of times, the world can be a lot brighter with the power of music.  Now, it’s our turn to show them the power of hope, the power of a miracle, and the power of love. 

We know this is an unprecedented time for many people given the spread of Covid-19 virus, and the resulting economic impact. If you aren't in a place to donate, please share. Please spread awareness for this young family during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you for your kindness.