Baby Jonah's Arrival

Greetings family and friends… 

My wife, Jacquelene and I are humbly requesting your assistance to bring our baby Jonah safely into the world.  Jacquelene has been in and out of the clinic for check-ups and procedures because of her high-risk pregnancy.  Jacquelene has had complications with this pregnancy due to various health issues and previous miscarriage. The doctors have even told us to prepare ourselves for a possible premature birth.  As of this day (02/19/15) she is 6 months into her pregnancy and starting to feel lots of contractions.  We are excited and happy, but also scared and nervous for our baby Jonah. 

This 6th month is critical because the local hospitals in the Philippines where Jacquelene lives do not have the proper equipment to handle a baby less the 7 months.  Unlike here in the U.S., neonatal facilities commonly serve preemie babies as early as 5 months; in the Philippines, without proper facilities, baby's born before 7 months have a very low survivability rate.  We are continuously praying that baby Jonah wait's till his due date of May 22, or atleast till the beginning of April.

What makes it even more difficult, while she is going through these pains in the Philippines, I am here in the United States.  We are working on her spousal visa to immigrate to the U.S. but the process has been very slow.  We were expecting for her to be here in California before she gives birth.  Unfortunately, the timing seems to be off and she may not be home with me before delivery.  We are still hoping and praying for the best outcome in all of this.

We are asking for help from family and friends and from all the good people that still remain in the world…  I am a U.S. Army Veteran and a former California National Guardsman, and currently a law enforcement officer in California.  I thought I would be able to manage our finances with one income but times are getting tough and expenses are stacking.  Since the beginning of my wife’s pregnancy, her doctor has not authorized her to work and ordered her to total complete bed rest – Jacquelene has been at home caring for our coming baby since October 2014 without any employment.

The funds that we collect would be used for medical bills and related expenses in the Philippines.  Medical costs are not quite as expensive like here in the states but with limited insurance, procedures and regular check-ups are cash basis only - no cash, no service; in addition, preemie birth and care is double the costs of a regular full term birth.  Though we are praying for baby Jonah to make his debut at full term, May 22, 2015, we have to prepare for a possible premature delivery.

As our baby’s due date comes near, I will have to take leave from California to go to the Philippines to be with my wife.  Unfortunately, I have already exhausted my leave credits going back and forth to be with my wife, and will most like go back to the Philippines without pay for an extended period of time. (Atleast 3 months.) If a premature delivery occurs, I will have to pick up and go immediately.  The additional funds collected from this fundraising campaign will be used for travel costs and daily/monthly expenses, and items for baby Jonah.

We are hoping and praying that through the generosity and goodness of your heart, you would be able to help us in any which way.  We pray for the best outcome in our situation and appreciate any assistance.  As we continue through this journey, we will update you with information of baby Jonah’s status.

Thank you again and may God bless you all...

Christian & Jacquelene Buado