Elise Noelle Dargitz was born December 18, 2019—five and a half weeks early. After spending almost three weeks in the NICU, she finally came home to her mommy, daddy and big brother (two-year-old Bjørn).
She was thriving and growing until being diagnosed with RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) on Feb.6. On Feb.7 she was rushed from Bellingham to Children’s Hospital in Seattle.
Since then, Elise's journey (and that of her parents, Sam and Claire Dargitz), has been nothing short of brutal. On top of and as a result of her RSV, which is incredibly serious for newborns, Elise has dealt with pneumonia, intubation, CPR, a spinal tap and more.
An event like this is terrifying for the parents. It's exhausting. It's world-shaking. And it's really, really expensive. The experience is more than any parents should have to handle—and, for Sam and Claire, there are even extra challenges.
Sam and Claire are two young parents who love their family more than anything in the world, and are doing everything they can for their kids. Including both going back to school, while both working, while both raising their two kids. This new medical scare adds a heavy burden on top of an already-massive weight. This includes astronomical medical expenses, reduced income due to the need to be at the hospital and more. On top of everything, their car just started breaking down and, living in Bellingham, they're an hour and a half from Elise in the Seattle hospital. The challenges keep adding up, but Sam and Claire take on everything with an amount of love, fortitude and resilience that is pretty amazing to see.
Elise is still intubated in the ICU, and Claire and Sam know that there will be months of recovery, therapy and follow-up.
Sam, Claire, Bjørn and Elise are fighting, but right now it's an uphill fight. That's why they need us—their friends and family, and our friends and family. So give if you can. Share if you feel like it.
If you are able to give, no matter how much, it is greatly appreciated.
They're strong enough to take this thing on. They just need our help.
Thank you all for your help. The whole Dargitz family thanks you.
Love,
The Dargitz Fam
Elise at Seattle Children's
Children's Hospital Intensive Care Unit
Sam with Elise
Claire with Elise
Bjørn with his little sister