Help Support Jared, Kilee & Baby Jett's Journey

On August 28th, 2024, Jared and Kilee were on the last day of their vacation when Kilee, 31 weeks pregnant, sensed something was wrong with their unborn baby, Jett. After an emergency C-section, Jett was born 9 weeks early weighing 3 lbs, 9 oz, but faced immediate critical health challenges, including brain bleeding and respiratory issues. Jett was transferred to 2 additional Hospitals to finally ensure he was in the care of a Pediatric Neurosurgeon for potential brain surgery. Jett was in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and in critical condition due to bleeding in the brain on both the right and left sides, enlarged ventricles in the brain, Liver issues and repeated Apneic episodes which required constant intervention from Nursing Staff to ensure he was breathing while also receiving oxygen. Jett received numerous blood transfusions and platelets which finally regulated the blood flow in his body.

Finally, on September 12th, 2024, Jett was stabilized enough to be carefully transferred via Air Transport with Medical Staff to a Hospital closer to home. Upon arrival, the Medical Doctors, Neurologist and Nursing Staff were very direct with Jared & Kilee regarding Jett’s prognosis. They stated Jett has severe brain damage and will most likely have spastic Cerebral Palsy (the severity to be determined). He also has IVH (Intraventricular Hemorrhage Grades 3 & 4 which are more serious and may result in long-term brain injury and is one of the major causes of Cerebral Palsy), PVL (Periventricular Leukomalacia which has impacted the white matter around the ventricles of the brain), Bradycardia (Apneic episodes that impact breathing and slowing of the heart rate).

Additionally, Jett has Hydrocephalus which resulted in emergency brain surgery on September 19th to put in a temporary reservoir to release built up pressure and fluid in his brain. Jett may also need a permanent VP (Ventriculoperitoneal) Shunt in the future to allow fluid in the brain to drain properly. When Jett is eventually released from the NICU, he may need to go home with a Feeding Tube (for an unknown duration of time) to ensure he receives proper nutrients. It is unknown if Jett’s vision or hearing will be impacted. Jett will continue to need physical therapy and long-term care inside his home since the location of Jett’s brain damage will affect his motor and sensory skills and he may possibly need a wheelchair in the future. It will take time to evaluate and determine the extent of Jett’s developmental delays as he approaches (and passes) each milestone during his growth.

Jared & Kilee are amazing and devoted parents to both Jett and their 2 year old, Karter. Since Jett was born, Jared & Kilee have spent all day, every day at the Hospital and, as you can imagine, this has taken a toll on them both emotionally and physically. Doctors have recently stated it is critical to Jett’s care that Jared & Kilee continue to spend as much time as possible with Jett.

Due to the severity of Jett’s medical issues & prognosis, it is not known when Jared & Kilee will be able to return to work. Therefore, we are kindly requesting donations to help Jared & Kilee with living costs and to help with any medical expenses that will be needed to accommodate Jett’s care. We will try and update this Fundraiser post as often as possible regarding Jett’s progress. We also ask that you continue to pray for our little Jett who is so loved every single day. Thank you very much for any help you can provide! May God Bless You!