Kathy Valdez-Rivera
What was to be the greatest day of their lives has turned into what I can only describe as an endless nightmare we have been praying to wake up from.
Just 2 months after their wedding- my brother Justin & his wife, Kathy arrived at Jacobi hospital. On 8/1/21 with great joy & anticipation the newlyweds were ready to meet their first child Isabel Lynn.
Our expectation was to have baby Isabel delivered safely and head home to begin the next phase of their love story as parents.
During labor Kathy suffered an exceedingly rare condition called Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Essentially the fluid which surrounds the baby in the uterus ruptures and flows into the mother’s bloodstream which responds to this foreign substance in an anaphylactic manner.
As a result, Kathy went into cardiac arrest which continued for approximately 40-45 minutes along with suffering seizures. While the medical team continued compressions on her, an emergency C-section was performed to deliver Isabel. In addition, Kathy experienced severe hemorrhaging which required upwards of approximately 30 units of blood. Without being able to hold his baby girl, Justin watched as his daughter was taken away to NICU at Bellevue hospital. Kathy is still in the SICU, intubated, vented, & in critical condition.
Everyday it’s been a snowball of complications from the AFE, of infections, fever, nerve & muscle damage, brain swelling, low kidney function, and potenial neurological damage.
Anyone who knows my brother knows how loyal and determined he is. Justin is a dedicated police officer who places the needs of everyone else first and foremost. He is on top of every test, every call, every decision. We don’t have a clear vision as to when they will all be reunited outside of hospital bedsides. We do know this will be a long recovery- physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. We have no idea what the medical expenses will look like and are humbled by any financial support we can recieve. I created this go fund me because if there is anything I can do outside of a miracle, I will. I just want to help alleviate at least one of his concerns.
Our family remains hopeful there is a light at the end of this tunnel. More importantly, we humbly ask that you continue to pray for Kathy, Justin and baby Isabel as they continue on an upward battle. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any support you may provide.