Hi, my name is Melissa Mayer and I am a friend of Justine Frederick hoping to help raise money for a huge medical burden on her family. Justine is married to David Frederick, and they are residents here in Pierre, SD. They have three beautiful children (Davidia, Chris, and newborn Natalie). This family is supposed to be celebrating the birth of their new daughter, Natalie; instead, they are separated as Natalie was life-flighted to the Sioux Falls NICU on December 17, 2022. David is home caring for Davidia and Chris while Justine flew with Natalie. Let me give you a timeline of what this family has experienced so far.

December 7th – Justine was scheduled for an induction at 5 AM. No beds were available, and she was 4th in line. She finally got in at 7 PM.

December 8th – Laboring all day and then at 2:20 PM Natalie was born! Justine had an emergency c-section and had 4 blood transfusions due to complications. Baby Natalie is doing great! She and Justine reunite with David in the room and get bonding time that evening.

December 9th – Hospital stay, and Justine is recovering from the c-section and side effects of the blood transfusions. Natalie’s big sister and brother get to come to meet Natalie in the hospital!

December 10th – They are discharged from the hospital and home!

December 12th – Start of one of the largest snowstorms South Dakota has experienced in decades.

December 14th – Natalie begins getting sick and is significantly congested. So, Justine and David try and get her into urgent care but are told they are closed due to the weather.

December 15th – Natalie’s sickness progresses, as she is getting weaker and her congestion worsens. This leads to purple toes and low oxygen levels. So, that evening she is taken by ambulance to the Emergency Room in midst of the blizzard and admitted to NICU. Mom goes with Natalie and Dad stays snowed in at home with big brother and sister.

December 16th – Natalie can’t breathe on her own, she’s weak, and is on oxygen, undergoing respiratory treatments. She is diagnosed with RSV.

December 17th – Morning – The doctor tries different medicine for Natalie and doesn’t help. Afternoon – Natalie is life flighted from Pierre to Sioux Falls NICU with Justine.

December 18th – Morning - Natalie is starting to improve but is still in the Sioux Falls NICU undergoing treatment.

Update - 8:35 PM December 18, 2022

Natalie is back on oxygen and a feeding tube. Please continue to pray for her and mama.

As you can see this is not the experience anyone deserves, and this family has gone through the wringer for the past 11 days. The Frederick family could use your support and prayers as they continue to work through this challenging situation, continuing to remain strong for their children. To help show your support I am asking that people donate what they can to help ease any stress. I also ask that people pray for a Christmas miracle that Natalie recovers from this as soon as possible and that she and her mom can be reunited with their family. Finally, pray for the medical providers and all the incredible work they have done and will continue to do.

Childbirth is no easy task for a mom and Justine has been so strong. While I can’t imagine how she feels, I know the support of her friends and community will help further strengthen this family. Pray that God continues to give her the strength to get through this.