Medical Expenses for the Skeels Family
Donation protected
On December 31, 2020 my younger brother and his wife welcomed their 4th little bundle of joy, Chamberlain Lewis Skeels. Chamberlain was born with Trisomy 21 also known as Downs Syndrome. All though Nathan and Felicia were prepared for this diagnosis prior to Chamberlain's arrival they were not prepared for the stress or obstacles they would face.
Not only did Felicia undergo many Dr's appointments to monitor baby Chamberlain's progress in the womb but at around 37 weeks pregnant she diagnosed with Covid 19. Scared of what this would mean while pregnant she was hoping to complete the days of quarantine and get healthy prior to delivering. However, at her 37 week non-stress test, there were some dips in Chamberlain's heart rate. This caused concern with her Dr, as Trisomy 21 babies have a history of heart issues. It was then decided that she would be induced that day.
While being positive for Covid 19 she was not allowed to have anyone with her while at the hospital therefore my brother was not allowed in the delivery room with her. The stress of delivering a baby with special needs alone and the potential for anything to happen was just the beginning. (PS she rocked delivering this little guy!!)
At just under 24 hrs old, Chamberlain was sent to the NICU. Dips in his heart rate, oxygen levels, and air around his bowel were all causes for concern. He would remain there for a total of 20 days. As the day’s went, Chamberlain was slowly gaining weight and learning to suckle. He was getting stronger. They would visit as often as they could and even watch him over video to check in on him.
However, Felicia’s battle with Covid didn’t end there. About 2 weeks after she gave birth she was having trouble breathing and had a lot of pain in her chest. After a visit to the ER and an overnight stay. They found blood clots in her lungs. She will now remain on blood thinners for a while until the clots are gone. This means she can no longer provide breastmilk for Chamberlain until she is off the blood thinners.
The craziness didn’t stop there, about 5 days after Chamberlain was home he was having some yellow spit up. This is also a big cause for concern as it could be an issue with his bowels. With his previous history of air around his bowels he was taken to the ER and then by ambulance back to the children’s hospital. There he stayed overnight for observation and to make sure he didn’t have a bowel obstruction.
Chamberlain is now home, gaining weight, and doing well but the stress of the upcoming medical bills is becoming overwhelming for my brother and his family.
From the NICU stay, two ER visits, an ambulance ride, and numerous drs appointments all within a month and a half! It’s going to get expensive rather quickly! This is not the end of their medical journey especially with a baby with Trisomy 21!
If you know my brother and his wife you know they are great parents and strong people! They are not looking for a handout but maybe just a helping hand to get through everything that has been thrown their way! If you have it in your heart to donate it is greatly appreciated!
Not only did Felicia undergo many Dr's appointments to monitor baby Chamberlain's progress in the womb but at around 37 weeks pregnant she diagnosed with Covid 19. Scared of what this would mean while pregnant she was hoping to complete the days of quarantine and get healthy prior to delivering. However, at her 37 week non-stress test, there were some dips in Chamberlain's heart rate. This caused concern with her Dr, as Trisomy 21 babies have a history of heart issues. It was then decided that she would be induced that day.
While being positive for Covid 19 she was not allowed to have anyone with her while at the hospital therefore my brother was not allowed in the delivery room with her. The stress of delivering a baby with special needs alone and the potential for anything to happen was just the beginning. (PS she rocked delivering this little guy!!)
At just under 24 hrs old, Chamberlain was sent to the NICU. Dips in his heart rate, oxygen levels, and air around his bowel were all causes for concern. He would remain there for a total of 20 days. As the day’s went, Chamberlain was slowly gaining weight and learning to suckle. He was getting stronger. They would visit as often as they could and even watch him over video to check in on him.
However, Felicia’s battle with Covid didn’t end there. About 2 weeks after she gave birth she was having trouble breathing and had a lot of pain in her chest. After a visit to the ER and an overnight stay. They found blood clots in her lungs. She will now remain on blood thinners for a while until the clots are gone. This means she can no longer provide breastmilk for Chamberlain until she is off the blood thinners.
The craziness didn’t stop there, about 5 days after Chamberlain was home he was having some yellow spit up. This is also a big cause for concern as it could be an issue with his bowels. With his previous history of air around his bowels he was taken to the ER and then by ambulance back to the children’s hospital. There he stayed overnight for observation and to make sure he didn’t have a bowel obstruction.
Chamberlain is now home, gaining weight, and doing well but the stress of the upcoming medical bills is becoming overwhelming for my brother and his family.
From the NICU stay, two ER visits, an ambulance ride, and numerous drs appointments all within a month and a half! It’s going to get expensive rather quickly! This is not the end of their medical journey especially with a baby with Trisomy 21!
If you know my brother and his wife you know they are great parents and strong people! They are not looking for a handout but maybe just a helping hand to get through everything that has been thrown their way! If you have it in your heart to donate it is greatly appreciated!
Organizer and beneficiary
Samantha Young
Organizer
Maumee, OH
Nathan Skeels
Beneficiary