Baby Oliver: The Kunce Family

Hello, my name is Christian.

My sister (Hannah) and brother-in-law (Mike) welcomed their son, Oliver, into the world on August 8th, 2022. After 10 hours of labour Hannah was taken to the operating room for an emergency cesarean due to little Oliver's heart rate dropping to dangerous levels. He came out purple and struggled to breathe. Due to his trouble breathing, he was admitted to Stollery Children's Hospital the following day. Oliver was born with a deviated septum; his right nostril is very narrow and curved, which prevents him from breathing and feeding simultaneously. The mouth and nose specialist has recommended that he has surgery to widen the nostril, and after that, he will need to learn how to feed. Oliver is also unable to keep his oxygen levels and heart rate at a steady and safe level; they continue to drop frequently. He's been on a feeding tube and oxygen for most of his short little life. Oliver has had CT scans, ultrasounds on his head and belly, and a genetic test, and is scheduled for an ultrasound on his heart and an MRI on his head in the upcoming weeks. Mike and Hannah are looking at a month at the hospital, at least with their new boy.

The day Oliver was admitted to Stollery, Hannah discharged herself from the Grey Nuns maternity unit (18 hours after surgery) against doctors' orders to be by her son's side and has been with him every day since. That being said, Mike has been off work to take care of his wife and family for a week already and won't be returning until Oliver comes home. This has left the family uncertain about finances. Mike has applied for caregiving benefits, but that won’t be enough to keep a roof over their heads and food in his families belly. So I am reaching out to my friends and family in these dire times for some financial aid; anything helps. Compassion and generosity, as well as love and support, will be appreciated beyond belief.

Any funds received will go towards:

-Travel expenses to get to and from the hospital, as well as parking funds so they are able to spend time with baby Oliver and support him in his fight.

-Bills (Rent, insurance, utilities, etc.)

-Alternative child care for their daughter Brooke if they plan to be at the hospital for extended periods of time.

-Prescriptions and medical care not covered by insurance.

-Financial safety net if anything else comes up.

Thank you for taking the time to read my family's story, and thank you in advance for any donations, and positive vibes sent their way.