Hi, I'm Crystal Kaufman's younger sister and baby Theodore's aunt. We are fundraising for assistance in covering medical bills from a long-term NICU stay following Theo's birth complications.

Baby Theo was born on June 7th via emergency C-section after his breathing and vitals dropped during labor. He was immediately taken to the NICU in critical condition, placed on a ventilator, and underwent cooling therapy. As the issues compounded, Theo was emergently transferred to Riley NICU for an even more intensive level of care. It was discovered at Riley that Theodore had a stroke around the time of birth, which likely caused all of the complications he experienced, including seizures and difficulty breathing.

Theodore spent nearly a month in the NICU at Riley undergoing many treatments and tests, as well as a surgery to place a G-tube for feedings before he was able to be discharged home. Though his first few weeks of life were filled with uncertainty and some harrowing experiences, Theo was ultimately able to be taken off of the ventilator and all other supportive measures except for the G-tube, and Crystal and Josiah were able to take him home on the Fourth of July.

Theo is still unable to feed by mouth at this time, so he is being fed eight times daily, around the clock through the surgically placed G-tube.

Along with this, a week after delivery, Crystal was re-admitted to the hospital due to an infection at her C-section site, and was kept at the hospital for several days. She discharged with daily wound care needs and an even longer recovery than what she anticipated.

Between the month-long NICU stay for Theo at Riley, Crystal's re-hospitalization, and ongoing medical appointments, the financial burden has been unexpected. Theo has ongoing care needs that require home health and medical supplies, and Crystal is home full-time providing around-the-clock care for both Theo and two-year-old Luella.

If you made it this far, thank you! Any donations will be used for paying for Theo and Crystal's hospitalizations, and Theo's ongoing medical expenses. We are all incredibly thankful that Theo is home and recovering day-by-day with Josiah, Crystal, and Lulu!