Hello my name is Ava , and I am the mother of Joel. Baby Joel was born prematurely at 34 weeks gestation weighing 3lbs 8oz via emergency caesarean due to my placental abruption. Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the inner wall of the uterus before birth. Placental abruption can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients and cause heavy bleeding in the mother. Upon entering this world on May 11th, Joel was not breathing. After resuscitating him twice, he had to be placed on oxygen for a few days until he was stable. Joel stayed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for a total of 21 days due to low oxygen levels and low birth weight.

 

While in the NICU Joel was diagnosed with severe hypospadias. Hypospadias is a relatively rare congenital condition where the opening of the penis is on the underside of the organ. In boys with hypospadias, the urethra forms abnormally during weeks 8–14 of pregnancy. The abnormal opening can form anywhere from just below the end of the penis to the scrotum. Joel’s opening is in the scrotum. This will require surgical correction to restore the proper flow of urine. Joel will need a total of three surgeries in order to fully correct his hypospadias. The first surgery will be in June 2022, the second will be in December of 2022, and the third will be in June of 2023. We have been so blessed to have found a very knowledgeable, skilled surgeon in Dallas, Texas who is an expert in the field that will perform the surgery.

 

We will have to travel to Dallas for a week for each of Joel’s surgeries. Although Joel is covered under insurance, the out of pocket cost for the surgeries are very expensive. In addition to the cost of surgeries, we will have to pay for COVID testing and medications. We are so grateful to The Ronald McDonald House who will give us a place to stay for this upcoming surgery in June. We are hopeful they will have room for us for the next two surgeries as well.

 

We are asking for donations to help cover the cost of travel and surgery for the three surgeries Joel will have. The first surgery will require us to pay $5,000 out of pocket two weeks before the surgery date (June 1st). The other $5,000 will be used for his future surgeries that will be done. No amount is too big or too small to help us meet this goal. We appreciate your support to us during this time and ask that you not only donate, but keep us in your prayers. We are asking for prayers for the doctors to have wisdom as they operate, Joel’s recovery, and also for us to have peace as we undergo this journey with our little fighter.