Baby Lorenzo’s Esophageal Atresia

Hi everyone! I'm setting up this fundraiser for my sister, Amanda Smith and her husband Erik and her sons; Alden & Brayden who have been anxiously awaiting for her baby Lorenzo’s arrival that was scheduled for December 29th. Well, Lorenzo had different plans! He was born on Sunday afternoon, December 10th! He’s 4lbs and 13oz!

Amanda’s medical team discovered that Lorenzo has Esophageal Atresia, which means his esophagus is not attached to his stomach. Lorenzo was transferred to Milwaukee Children’s Hospital NICU. Amanda and Erik joined him the following day. Lorenzo may have many upcoming surgeries that will first begin with a feeding tube this week.

Baby Lorenzo has Pure Esophageal Atresia Long Gap. His doctor gave a timeline estimate of potentially up to 4-6 months of inpatient treatment. The surgeons will first place a feeding tube for Lorenzo to be able to receive nutrients. This feeding tube may be a year-long treatment while his little body grows and heals from the other procedures he will have done to stretch and attach his esophagus. For now, he will be inpatient long-term without a current discharge date.

This anticipated long-term inpatient stay is not only physically and emotionally taxing as well as shocking, but also financially devastating. A medical crisis can bankrupt a family. Amanda has not been with her company in her new role for a full year yet, so she did not get the FMLA or Maternity leave benefits or no short term disability either. I can't do anything about the overwhelming shock and physical strain this will put on my sister, Erik and her children. They will have many expenses for traveling to Milwaukee and staying away from their home in Neenah Wisconsin. They also have their daily living expenses: housing, car payments, childcare, groceries, fuel, and personal and family medical care.

One thing I can do is to help them find resources, so I want to promote this fundraiser to help reduce their upcoming financial burden. Im hoping we can reach their goal to help them focus on Lorenzo and the boys and not worry about how they will pay the amounting expenses. 

Lorenzo first opened his eyes as soon as he heard Amanda’s voice yesterday! He is curling his toes over their fingers and he’s so beautiful. Please come to this page for his updates as Amanda and Erik have a lot on their plate and can’t filter through a bombardment of questions from friends and family while they wait for continuous updates on Lorenzo’s status and progress.

It would mean so much if you could help! Even a very small contribution is so greatly appreciated and we would be forever grateful for your support!