Baby Lonnie's Medical Expenses

For the last 2 years Marta and Jim have been trying to conceive a baby. They have suffered 2 miscarriages, 1 failed retrieval and 1 successful retrieval and transfer. There were almost 200 hormone shots, and several additional ultrasounds and scans performed, Around 33 weeks pregnant Marta was diagnosed with a Cholestasis, a liver onset condition that can cause harm to the mother as well as the baby. Due to this condition an ultrasound was performed to check on the baby’s well-being. During the ultrasound it was found that the baby was suspected to have an issue with his kidneys as well as an irregular shaped bowels. Due to Marta’s condition and the ultrasound discoveries it was determined that the baby would be born at 37 weeks. On August 13th, Lonnie Theodore entered the world. Lonnie was taken to the NICU at Good Samaritan Hospital to help with his breathing as well check on his kidneys. He spent the first week of life having several ultrasounds, heart scans, and extra care for his breathing. Lonnie was also having issues having bowel movements which sparked a new concern. On Sunday August 19th, the decision to transfer him downtown to Ann and Robert H. Lurie's Hospital was made. Upon arrival several additional tests were done. Lonnie has made progress and is off is breathing assistance and is taking feedings part by bottle and part by feeding tube.

However, he is still having problems with bowel movements and stomach fullness and some rounds of vomiting. A rectal biopsy was performed August 27th to determine if Lonnie has Hirschsprung's Disease. This disease affects the large intestines and prevents the bowel movements from occurring due to missing or non-working nerve cells.  It was concluded thru biopsy that Lonnie does in fact have Hirschsprung's Disease.   In order to correct this, Lonnie will need a surgery to remove the dead nerves in his large intestines.  Lonnie is now looking at a major surgery and continued care in the NICU at Lurie's for continued stay of around 3 weeks.  After surgery and discharge he will need to have several follow-up appointments to ensure that the issue is corrected.  This fund is being set up in hopes to help relieve some of the medical expenses for Lonnie and his care and continued care.