Hope for Kai - RCDH diagnosis

Reggie and Lindsey Rodriguez are expecting to welcome a beautiful baby boy, Kaicu (Kai) Stephen, in late November 2023. Their 2 year old daughter, Mia can’t wait to meet her baby brother and “tickle his feet”! She's been practicing with her baby dolls ❤️

At their 20 week anatomy scan, baby Kai was diagnosed with suspected congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Maternal fetal medicine doctor soon confirmed the diagnoses of severe right congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) where he was given a 20% chance of life after birth. Many babies are aborted at this point due to lack of adequate healthcare for the rare condition or due to cost of what it will take in after care. However, Reggie and Lindsey's faith in God is strong, and they sought out a second opinion at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, that they were referred to by their amazing MFMs. Right sided CDH is a “hole” or hernia on the right side of the diaphragm which has allowed his liver to move up into his chest cavity where his heart is supposed to be. The liver has pushed his heart even more to the left side of his body. The liver is also pushed against his lungs allowing minimal growth. They were told this occurs in approximately 1 in 3000 live births yearly across the world and would require surgery and treatment after birth. Right sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (RCDH) is the rarest form of CDH, and has only occurred in 115 live born babies since 2015 in the US.

They were referred to Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. Reggie and Lindsey spent three days in Houston for additional testing and consults with CDH specialists. The specialists there gave him a 70-80% chance of survival! He has about 43% lung capacity, with 64% of his liver in his chest cavity. Doctors also said currently they are giving him a 30-35% chance of needing ECMO after birth. He will need surgery shortly after birth to move his heart and liver to their appropriate place and to patch the hernia. He will spend approximately 2-3 months or longer in the NICU.

They were advised to relocate to Houston at 34 weeks pregnant for weekly checks. Due to the CDH diagnosis, these babies produce more than usual amniotic fluid which may have to be drained to prevent preterm labor. Weekly ultrasounds until birth would be required for baby and mom’s safety. In the event of preterm labor, they will need to be in close proximity of the hospital.

They are in need of your help financially due to the cost of relocating, medical bills and the cost of bills at home in Haslet. They believe that God is going to provide a way for them financially and spiritually through this journey. Thank you for your donations and prayers for this family.