On the morning of June 18th, 2017, Emily and Jake went to the hospital because of complications with the pregnancy of their twin girls. After being admitted and assessed, Emily dilated and started heavily contracting. Doctors determined that Emily would need to deliver via emergency c-section at only 23 weeks. 

Jake and Emily Vandebrake welcomed Harper Marie and Julie Grace into the world. Nationwide Children's Hospital NICU had two teams on call to care for both girls. Harper was immediately able to be stabilized and assessed. Julie fought for her life as the NICU team worked to stabilize her. Surrounded by her mommy, daddy, aunts, uncles, and grandparents Julie Grace passed on to be with Jesus while in the arms of her mommy. 

Harper has since been transported from KCH to Nationwide Children's to continue her treatment and observation.

I have created this account on behalf of their family. The NICU team informed us that it will be many many weeks of ups and downs with Harper. I am hoping that many caring and loving hearts will help me in raising the funds to both finance the funeral cost for beautiful Julie Grace and financially help the Vandebrakes accommodate the many medical costs and lifestyle changes that may occur while staying at Nationwide with Harper.