Ethan's Coming Home Fund

In July 2020, Alicia and Stephen Orr found out they would have a little boy! Then, in October of 2020, Alicia had to be bedridden in the hospital due to complications with the pregnancy. She fought hard for her little boy and did everything she needed to keep him growing and safe for as long as possible. Unfortunately, on December 3, 2020, Alicia had an emergency C-section. Ethan Alexander Orr was born at 11:48 am, weighing only 2lbs. Due to the underdevelopment of his lungs, Ethan spent weeks on a ventilator. He was transported from Boardman St. Elizabeth's to Akron Children's main branch in February of 2021. Instead of having a baby shower to celebrate the birth of Ethan, Steve and Alicia were figuring out plans to be with their sweet baby boy. Ethan underwent many different procedures to help his lungs grow stronger. However, in April of 2021, Ethan underwent major surgery to have a tracheostomy and gastrostomy tube to help him grow stronger and stronger. Ethan has spent his whole first year in the hospital and has never been home, but recently he was given a discharge date of sometime in February! We are so excited to have Ethan finally home, but we know Stephen and Alicia still need a lot of items to help Ethan continue to be successful and strive at home. Due to Covid-19 and the importance of keeping Ethan healthy, we could never throw Stephen and Alicia a baby shower. Ethan will need around-the-clock care from nurses and caregivers. Unfortunately, the insurance company will cover a portion but not all costs related to his care outside of the hospital. They have found some nurses to assist with his needs but are still looking for more individuals to help with the night shift. Stephen has decided that if they cannot find enough coverage to take care of Ethan, he will leave his job to become Ethan's primary caregiver. Ultimately, that would mean their household would go from two incomes down to one. We are asking for donations to help Stephen and Alicia cover the costs of caregivers and items that they will need for Ethan to come home.

The following is a list of some of the items this fundraiser will help them cover:

-diapers

-video monitoring system

-staff pay

-specialized seating

-medical costs

-machinery

-specialized electrical outlets

-generator (in case the power goes out, they will need this to keep his breathing machine going)

-bathing equipment

-clothing

-copays

-special formula

-wipes

-medication

-storage containers for medical supplies

We are all so grateful for this brave little boy, but he still has a long road ahead of him. Even if you cannot donate, please share this page to help them raise the funds that will allow Ethan to transition home as smoothly as possible. We appreciate your support and all the prayers that have been said for Ethan to get better!