Baby James Philip Miranda 1 lb. 9 oz.

My cousin Amanda Caputo and her family have been through a traumatic life event with the birth of her son James. In addition to the emotional and physical shock of giving birth 4 months early, the daily financial costs are weighing on her and her husband Justin. With two other children to care for in addition to James, medical, child care, travel, and food costs are piling up.

James is a beautiful child who no doubt has a meaningful life ahead as he fights daily for his life.

My heart aches for Amanda as she continues to work at her job, and take care of James and his siblings, Justin and Alexa. Unfortunately, with Covid and other contagious diseases threatening James's life, support visits from those who care for them have been limited to immediate family.

I have asked Amand to share some of the details involved with James' care:

James Philip Miranda was born at 23 weeks - 4 months premature, weighing 1 lb 9oz. Because he was so early, his lungs did not develop properly and he was put on a ventilator for the first 7 weeks of his life. He was diagnosed with chronic lung disease (CLD) resulting in monthly pulmonology visits for the next three years. There is currently no cure for CLD and he will likely need treatment into adulthood.

At three days old, he was diagnosed with a grade 2/3 brain bleed - he is enrolled in early intervention, the neonatal follow up clinic, physical therapy and occupational therapy to help meet his milestones.

James had heart surgery to close a large PDA, he has a small hole in heart as well as it being partially enlarged resulting in cardiologist visits for the next 5 years.

Due to silent aspirations, he requires a feeding tube - he regularly sees speech therapy, GI, nutritionists and ENT to help wean him off.

Weekly visits to the eye doctor for ROP of prematurity will be required until it is determined that he is no longer in danger of going blind.

Although he is gaining weight properly, he may not be growing in length the way he should so he will need to see an endocrinologist.

James had a difficult start to life and he will require a lot of different doctors to get him to where he needs to be but with the love and support of his family, we hope that James will be able to grow to his full potential.

Please consider a donation of any size. Your love, prayers and financial support are needed and so appreciated.