Hi, all

       As many of you know, Baby Olive and I had a rough start at things. Throughout my pregnancy, I suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum, or life-threatening pregnancy sickness, that resulted in numerous hospitalizations, and upcoming kidney surgery. 

             In December, we were so thrilled to welcome our baby girl, and we were overjoyed that despite my difficult pregnancy she appeared to be healthy.  However, when she was three weeks old Olive began to go unconscious and choke while feeding. After a week-long ICU stay and extensive diagnostic testing,  doctor's determined that she has extreme allergies (causing her to reflux and choke) and has to be on very expensive hypo-allergenic formula (11$/day). In addition to that she was diagnosed with PFO, or a small hole in her heart as well as torticollis, or a damaged muscle in her neck from her position in-utero. This causes Olive extreme stiffness and a head tilt. Because she has only been able to turn her head to the right, she also has plagiocephaly or "flat head syndrome."   Last month alone,  Olive went to 14 specialist appointments, not including her physical therapy.  

We were told Olive must receive physical therapy three times a week, likely until she is one year old. Without this treatment, torticollis can lead to severe delays to Olive's motor development, and a surgical procedure on her neck.  She will also need a helmet to correct a flat skull as a result of her awkward position from the tight muscles.   She will need to continue to follow up with a GI/allergist for her allergies, and a cardiologist for her heart. Our insurance has denied long-term treatment from Olive's physical therapist despite recommendations from her physician that it is medically necessary.

Our insurance also denied her helmet.  We are still paying for the complications from my pregnancy, Olive's extensive diagnostic tests and ICU stay, and now we are paying out of pocket for her formula, PT, and her helmet while still trying to manage our day-to-day living expenses.  

      As you know, I am a teacher, and my husband is an Auto tech. Before my pregnancy, we got by, and even had small savings, but we were by no means prepared for the thousands of dollars necessary to care for a horrific pregnancy, and now, a sick baby.  We are mortified to be doing this, and ashamed to ask, but we need help. Our families have been incredibly generous in helping us with what they can, but Olive and my medical costs have far exceeded what they can reasonably assist us with. We are deeply appreciative of anything you are willing to give. Any little bit helps. Thank you so much for considering us, or taking the time. 

The Wilson Family