Chandler Hazel's Omphalocele Fund
Donation protected
Chandler Hazel Ponce has a birth defect known as an Omphalocele. This is a rare abnormality that will affect one in 4,000-7,000 babies. Chander's Liver, Stomach, and Intestines are currently forming outside of her tummy. We are seeking the best care for her and giving her the best chance she can have to have a normal life. Chandler is currently 22 weeks, as of 11/10/17. She will be due on 03/16/18, but will come earlier as a scheduled C section.
This is the most recent ultrasound picture showing her body and her abnormality. The large bulge in the center of the photo is the sack that contains the organs that are supposed to be inside her body.
Here is our updated story.
On November 3rd 2017, Courtney and I received the news that we were expecting a baby girl. After our doctor reviewed the ultrasound photos, they found that there were some abnormalities with her abdomen wall and immediately requested we see a specialist. Our doctor Mary Holm set up an appointment at the Children's hospital in Minneapolis, MN for us. This was the first photo we saw of Chandler, which looked promising.
On November 14th, we drove to Minneapolis and met with several different specialists, all of which were very helpful. They have seen this birth defect almost 10 times in the past year. First, we met a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist that did another Ultrasound and explained in detail what was going on with her abdomin wall. She has been diagnosed with a large "O", which is the sack outside of her body that contains her Liver, Stomach, and Intestines. The sack is currently close to the size of her body and depending on the growth, will play a role in how long her surgery will be after she is born.
Next, we met with a Genetics specialist, who explained the possible genetic risks associated with an Omphalocele. There is a higher percentage that she may have an issue with chromosome abnormalities, however other than being a bit smaller in size, she looks healthy and is very energetic.
Courtney will be seeing a specialist every other week to monitor the progress of Chandler and how well her body is growing. We will be seeing a heart specialist and surgeon in four weeks to go over delivery details and to make sure she has a strong heart. Currently she is looking beautiful and strong.
The main reason we've decided to share our story and open a Gofundme is to provide any extra support to help Chandler. Courtney and I will be venturing back and forth to Minneapolis for appointments with specialists and delivery. Courtney will be staying in Minneapolis at 36 weeks to be closer to the hospital before Chandler is born. Chandler will be required to stay in the NICU for quite some time due to the size of her Omphalocele. During this time, Courtney will be staying close to her and I'll be making frequent trips from Fargo to Minneapolis. We will be using any donations to pay for traveling expenses, hotel stays before and after delivery, as well as any additional medical costs for Chandler. We feel blessed and are positive Chandler will be safe and happy when we meet her. Thank you for reading our story and we will update it as we get more information from our appointments. Attached at the bottom is a link of Omphalocele if you'd like more information.
Omphalocele CDC Link
This is the most recent ultrasound picture showing her body and her abnormality. The large bulge in the center of the photo is the sack that contains the organs that are supposed to be inside her body.
Here is our updated story.
On November 3rd 2017, Courtney and I received the news that we were expecting a baby girl. After our doctor reviewed the ultrasound photos, they found that there were some abnormalities with her abdomen wall and immediately requested we see a specialist. Our doctor Mary Holm set up an appointment at the Children's hospital in Minneapolis, MN for us. This was the first photo we saw of Chandler, which looked promising.
On November 14th, we drove to Minneapolis and met with several different specialists, all of which were very helpful. They have seen this birth defect almost 10 times in the past year. First, we met a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist that did another Ultrasound and explained in detail what was going on with her abdomin wall. She has been diagnosed with a large "O", which is the sack outside of her body that contains her Liver, Stomach, and Intestines. The sack is currently close to the size of her body and depending on the growth, will play a role in how long her surgery will be after she is born.
Next, we met with a Genetics specialist, who explained the possible genetic risks associated with an Omphalocele. There is a higher percentage that she may have an issue with chromosome abnormalities, however other than being a bit smaller in size, she looks healthy and is very energetic.
Courtney will be seeing a specialist every other week to monitor the progress of Chandler and how well her body is growing. We will be seeing a heart specialist and surgeon in four weeks to go over delivery details and to make sure she has a strong heart. Currently she is looking beautiful and strong.
The main reason we've decided to share our story and open a Gofundme is to provide any extra support to help Chandler. Courtney and I will be venturing back and forth to Minneapolis for appointments with specialists and delivery. Courtney will be staying in Minneapolis at 36 weeks to be closer to the hospital before Chandler is born. Chandler will be required to stay in the NICU for quite some time due to the size of her Omphalocele. During this time, Courtney will be staying close to her and I'll be making frequent trips from Fargo to Minneapolis. We will be using any donations to pay for traveling expenses, hotel stays before and after delivery, as well as any additional medical costs for Chandler. We feel blessed and are positive Chandler will be safe and happy when we meet her. Thank you for reading our story and we will update it as we get more information from our appointments. Attached at the bottom is a link of Omphalocele if you'd like more information.
Omphalocele CDC Link
Organizer
Keaton Ponce
Organizer
Fargo, ND
