Baby Ben Gastroschisis Warrior
Donation protected
This is my new grandson, Benjamin Michael Shoemaker.
This beautiful little boy arrived two months early on Monday, Feb 8th, 3lb 9oz and was born with severe Gastroschisis. Gastroschisis is a birth defect of the abdominal (belly) wall. This means the baby's intestines stick outside of the baby's body, through a hole beside the belly button.
Our Benjamin has an extreme form of this defect. His liver, intestines, spleen and some of his bowels are also outside of his abdomen.
The surgeons say because he is so small he will be in NICU (intensive care) for months, possibly up to a year and he may not survive.
My daughter Kaitalynne Gottschalk and Nathan Shoemaker have no insurance. Kaitie is 17 and on my insurance but only a portion of her expenses are covered. I am unable to put Benjamin on my insurance. Hospital care and many surgeries are ahead as well as the cost of keeping Kaitie in Toledo so she can be close to Benjamin every day.
We're blessed with the opportunity for Kaitie to stay at the Ronald McDonald house but because she is a minor she cannot stay without a parent with her there at all times. This only adds to the financial pressures ahead to cover hospital & surgery costs, meals and travel expenses, as well as missed work.
It is humbling to have to ask others for help. My family is the most important thing in the world to me and I will do everything I can to see that Benjamin and Kaitie have everything they need during this trying time.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story. My family and I are grateful for your prayers and any donations to this fund that you can offer.
Sincerely,
-Edward Gottschalk
This beautiful little boy arrived two months early on Monday, Feb 8th, 3lb 9oz and was born with severe Gastroschisis. Gastroschisis is a birth defect of the abdominal (belly) wall. This means the baby's intestines stick outside of the baby's body, through a hole beside the belly button.
Our Benjamin has an extreme form of this defect. His liver, intestines, spleen and some of his bowels are also outside of his abdomen.
The surgeons say because he is so small he will be in NICU (intensive care) for months, possibly up to a year and he may not survive.
My daughter Kaitalynne Gottschalk and Nathan Shoemaker have no insurance. Kaitie is 17 and on my insurance but only a portion of her expenses are covered. I am unable to put Benjamin on my insurance. Hospital care and many surgeries are ahead as well as the cost of keeping Kaitie in Toledo so she can be close to Benjamin every day.
We're blessed with the opportunity for Kaitie to stay at the Ronald McDonald house but because she is a minor she cannot stay without a parent with her there at all times. This only adds to the financial pressures ahead to cover hospital & surgery costs, meals and travel expenses, as well as missed work.
It is humbling to have to ask others for help. My family is the most important thing in the world to me and I will do everything I can to see that Benjamin and Kaitie have everything they need during this trying time.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story. My family and I are grateful for your prayers and any donations to this fund that you can offer.
Sincerely,
-Edward Gottschalk
Organizer
Edward Gottschalk
Organizer
Adrian, MI