Baby Zachary's Medical Expenses

After two long, and difficult years of trying to conceive a child, with four losses in between, we were finally blessed with our first son, Zachary Lee.  

The pregnancy was textbook perfect until his scheduled 32 week growth scan, and the ultrasound technician observed that Zachary's bowels were dilated and my amniotic fluids were borderline high, both signs of a possible bowel obstruction.

A week later, it was confirmed by a fetal specialist that Zachary had an obstruction caused by a random birth defect called "Jejunal Atresia". Sometime during his development in the womb, a portion of his intestine did not form correctly and he will be unable to pass feces, causing a 100% fatal situation.

Before I go into labor, I will be transferred to UCLA (150 miles away) where I will be closely monitored for a week, and scheduled for an induction when Zachary's lungs will be mature enough to breathe on his own.

Hours after his birth, he will be taken from his loving parent's arms and taken into surgery where a team of specialists will repair his bowels.  

His recovery will be a minimum of 2 weeks (up to 4 weeks), barring all goes well.  He will be released to go home when he is able to eat on his own, pass feces and gaining sufficient weight.

In the meantime, my husband and I will be at his side, counting the minutes until he is able to come home, and I will be pumping breastmilk around the clock to provide for his nutritional needs.

We are hoping to raise funds to help cover any medical expenses, as well as any lodging, food, or gas expenses that Zachary and I may need.

Because of the nature of my husband's job (self-employed seasonal contractor), he does not qualify for FMLA, vacation time, or personal/sick leave.   His work season is during the spring and fall and without his fall income, we will be losing a significant portion of our yearly income to help us through the fall/winter months.

Any thoughts, prayers, and/or donations would be greatly appreciated during this difficult time.

Much love,

~ Zachary's Mom, Blanca W.