Chelsea and Hideki's baby boy

For those of you who don't know Chelsea, she has been my best friend since we were babies.  She is the one friend in this world I would do absolutely anything for.   

In early May Hideki & Chelsea found out they were expecting a new addition to their family, due on Feb 10th. They were beyond excited for this new addition and waited to share their big announcement until after their 20 week ultrasound.  Unfortunately they received some hard news that day.

 Their baby boy was diagnosed with a  lymphatic malformation on both sides of his neck. Lymphatic Malformations develop during the sixth to eighth week of gestation with no known cause. Essentially it is a very rare occurrence where lymphatic fluid does not properly drain, which creates cysts inside the fetus, with his being in the neck.  At the time of discovery, the mass was still relatively small, and they held on to hope that they could still have a normal delivery and be able to take their baby home. However, after a follow-up exam a month later, the mass showed significant growth with the potential of developing hydrops. They were immediately transferred to the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital for care. After meeting with a team of specialists, it was determined that the baby would require a special delivery called an Exit Procedure.  This means they partially deliver the baby, keeping it attached to the placenta, until they can establish an airway.  This  procedure will consist of a team of 20 doctors. They have been advised that their son will require extensive medical care, including a lengthy stay of 8 weeks to several months in the NICU of Seattle Children's.  Since this mass is located on the neck, there are concerns that the baby won’t be able to swallow or breathe, which would require a tracheotomy or feeding tube. Doctors will determine a treatment plan for the baby once he arrives, which could include multiple surgeries, injections and medical interventions for years to come, including possible deformities of the jaw/neck.

 Currently they have weekly ultrasounds to measure growth/fluid and doctors are hopeful to have Chelsea carry until 34 or 35 weeks with a delivery in early January.  Of course this has taken a huge emotional toll on them.   They are looking at multiple medical expenses and extended time away from work.  The medical care Chelsea is receiving plus the delivery could potentially cost $15,000+  after insurance, as she will hit two out of pocket maximums due to the end of year timing.

 I am sharing this story in hopes that we can at least offer some financial support for the long journey in front of them.  If I could take their pain away I would. Unfortunately there's not a whole lot I can do for her, other than be there for her emotionally.  Maybe if we could all help financially it would relieve some stress during this already difficult time. 

Any amount helps!

Thank you!