Funeral and medical expenses for baby Natalie

Although Mel and Brandon are as selfless as can be and would never ask for anything, their family believes they truly deserve the world and support in the gift of money during this difficult time. Baby Natalie Jo Schultz was born September 19, 2023 at 6:42 AM at Sarah Bush hospital in Mattoon, IL. She was 7lb 7 oz, 20.5 inches, had a head full of dark hair, and was adorable as could be. After only 6 quick hours of being loved and adored by her parents, she quickly lost oxygen noted by turning blue and was swept away by nurses to the NICU. Her O2 sats dropped to 55% and was then quickly intubated and air lifted to another hospital (Carle) in IL. This is when Mel and Brandon were told Natalie’s aorta was arched and closed off. With medicine, X-rays, and further treatment, nursing staff was unable to get Natalie’s vitals steady and she was then air lifted to another hospital (St. Louis Children’s) in MO. Several diagnoses later including pulmonary hypertension and pneumothorax, genetic testing confirmed that baby Natalie had ACD (Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia) a rare genetic disorder presented in newborn babies leading to respiratory failure and death. Mel and B sadly had to make the difficult decision to remove Natalie from the Ecmo and other machines required to extend her life. Sweet Natalie passed September 27, 2023 surrounded by family and friends that got the pure privilege of getting to meet her. Please consider donating to this special cause and aid in relieving some of the financial burden placed on this family. The heartbreak and immense sadness this family has suffered at what is supposed to be a special and happy time is unbearable and any help would be greatly appreciated to cover funeral and medical expenses that have accumulated ❤️