Seraphina's NICU Journey

My name is Jake. 7 days ago, on Cinco de Mayo, my baby Seraphina made her grand appearance into this world 2 months ahead of her due date! While a wonderful and joyous occasion to be celebrated, it has put a lot of stress on our family, as one can imagine.

Mama bear Phaedra was hospitalized longer than usual for childbirth, which had to be induced due to a placental abrubtion. Baby Seraphina Joan came into life with a whole different set of challenges than most humans, at a tiny 4 pounds and 11 oz, underdeveloped lungs and the inability to feed naturally, she was immediately admitted into NICU where she will be until she, as mama likes to put it, "is done cookin'"

Within a short 7 days, this miraculous little fighter has built her lungs up so well that she is breathing normal oxygen without a ventilator, doesn't need IV fluids and meds anymore, and is off of the bilirubin lights.

I'm and so inspired and bewildered by this beautiful little girl and her will to live! It has been hard, but amazing, and now I know that what everyone has always said is true, that you don't know what love is until you lay eyes on your own child.

I have a great job, but as some of you may know I have been struggling financially to keep up with a motel bill for 4 months due to our home (R.V.) being stolen out of a parking lot in south Asheville.

I thought I had more time to save before Seraphina came in July, but these are the kind of things you just can't plan for.

So pretty much this is an all encompassing fundraiser, as hospital life isn't cheap.

Medical bills, food and drink, rent and livelihood.

My goal is to be in an actual home or apartment with babys room already set up when she is finally discharged from the hospital.

I don't like asking for help, but my family needs it.

And anything helps. Even a kind word, or advice from others who have been in my shoes or know someone who has.

Thank you for reading, and please send prayer or good vibes. Will keep y'all updated!