A Sudden Challenge for Our Family
We are reaching out to our community, friends, family, and kind strangers during one of the hardest times our family has ever faced. Our sweet baby girl, Gemma Galvan, arrived on September 25, 2025, and has been bravely fighting in the NICU for 52 days now.
Gemma was diagnosed with Noonan Syndrome, a genetic condition that causes a wide range of developmental and physical challenges. While she is an absolute miracle, Noonan Syndrome often leads to heart defects, feeding difficulties, and other complex health issues that require intensive, specialized care. She is a true warrior, and we are so proud of her fight every single day.
The Financial Strain: A Teacher's Dilemma
My name is Elizabeth, and I am a dedicated second-grade teacher. Before Gemma's birth, I was placed on mandatory hospital bed rest for an entire month to give her the best chance possible. Now, with her extensive time in the NICU, the financial reality is becoming overwhelming:
• No Paid Maternity Leave: As a teacher, I do not receive any paid maternity leave. The time I spent on bed rest and the time I am spending with Gemma in the NICU means three months of lost income for our family.
• Mounting Medical Bills: Even with insurance, the costs associated with an extended NICU stay—specialists, medications, surgeries, and constant monitoring—are astronomical and continue to grow daily.
• Future Needs: Babies with Noonan Syndrome require ongoing, specialized care, including cardiology appointments, feeding therapy, developmental services, and potential future hospitalizations.
Our Goal: To Focus on Healing, Not Bills
We are humbly asking for support to help us cover:
1. Current & Past Medical Expenses: Deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket costs from the bed rest and the nearly two months (and counting) in the NICU.
2. Future Specialized Care: Funding for the essential therapies, follow-up appointments, and adaptive equipment Gemma will need once she finally comes home.
3. Lost Income Relief: A small buffer to help us bridge the gap from the three months of lost wages, allowing me to be present for Gemma without the fear of losing our home or falling into debt. Every single donation, no matter the size, helps bring us closer to focusing entirely on Gemma's health and giving her the best start in life.
Keep Gemma and our family in your thoughts and prayers. We are so grateful for your support and well wishes. We can’t wait for the day we can finally introduce our little warrior to the world outside the hospital walls.
With heartfelt thanks,
The Galvan Family