Support for Ellie Jane

Meet Ellie Jane. Ellie was born January 20th, 2016. Immediately after birth Ellie was moved to the NICU because of fluid in her lungs and tummy. She was unable to take a bottle and was hooked up to a feeding tube. After a week of test at the DECH she was air lifted to the IWK in Halifax to try and find the cause behind Ellie's troubles. Her mom and dad travelled to the IWK and spent a week there snuggling and loving their perfect baby girl. She has since returned to the DECH where she has been receiving the very best of care from her nurses and doctors and is thriving. Ellie was recently diagnosed with 5P Minus, otherwise known as Cri du Chat Syndrome. 5P Minus is a chromosomal condition that results when a piece of chromosome 5 is missing. It is an extremely rare condition happening in only 1 out of every 50 000 newborns. You can read more about Cri du Chat syndrom here: http://fivepminus.org . The severity of Ellie's condition won't be known until she starts reaching milestones. Because this is such a rare condition there is limited support for Katherine and Denim in what to expect for Ellie. They are taking the diagnosis positively and enjoying their little princess. Regardless of diagnosis, Ellie is perfection! She already has such a personality and easily wraps everyone she meets around her little finger....just ask the nurses at the DECH! She can often be found being cuddled by whom ever can get to her first!

Since Ellies birth Denim has taken parental leave from the military. They travelled to the IWK and now to and from our local hospital multiple times a day to spend as much time as possible with Ellie. When she is able to come home (which will be very soon) Ellie will require a special feeding tube and certain equipment that is not covered by her parents health coverage. The cost of those things add up quite quickly. Being parents to an infant and toddler is stressful enough. Hopefully with some help they will be able to dedicate all of their time and love into raising Ellie and her older brother Emmit, and not worrying about money. A donation box has been set up at the lotto booth at the Oromocto mall and hopefully with a little help from all of us, they will be able to settle into a new routine without financial stress.

If you know them, I'm sure you have a hundred reasons why you love Katherine, Denim and their family. If you don't know them and have stumbled upon this page as it is shared on facebook know this; Denim serves our country. Katherine is among the silent ranks as a military wife. They would never ask for help and I know they have a hard time accepting it when it is offered. The two of them love each other and their children. They are amazing parents to Emmit and already to Ellie. They have been given a special child and I don't doubt that they will become strong advocates for 5P Minus and for little Ellie. I am so proud to call them friends. They have shown such incredible strength during the difficult time of not knowing what was happening with Ellie and such positivity with her diagnosis. Ellie truely has been blessed with two amazing parents just as they have been blessed with such a perfect little girl. Even if you are unable to donate, please take a moment to learn a little more about 5P Minus. Thank you so much for taking the time to read Ellie's Story and for donating what ever you are able! You're support is appreciated!!!

‪#‎CriduChatAwareness