My name is Michael, and I’m creating this fundraiser for my son Gael, who was born the first week of July. What should have been a joyful journey quickly turned into a frightening and uncertain one.

Shortly after birth, Gael was rushed to the NICU. His umbilical cord had been wrapped around his neck, and he wasn’t breathing when he arrived. Thanks to the incredible NICU team, Gael was stabilized and began receiving oxygen and specialized care. But our challenges were just beginning.

As doctors began examining Gael more closely, they noticed physical differences that required further testing. Gael had distinct features not noticed in ultrasounds. My wife and I had also performed prenatal genetic screening and we were told our baby’s results were normal. After genetic testing, we received a diagnosis: Trisomy 18, a rare chromosomal disorder that is fatal to nearly all infants.

This news broke us. For days we were brought into meetings to discuss medical interventions to keep Gael alive and hospice care for when his body would inevitably give in. There was little hope we would see Gael’s first birthday, but we prayed for a miracle.

Shockingly, a small miracle arrived. The doctor’s looked more closely at Gael’s chromosomes and discovered he actually had an ultra rare version of Trisomy 18 called Tetrasomy 18p. This version meant Gael had a better chance of having a full life.

Tetrasomy 18p affects fewer than 1 in 150,000 live births, and in many cases, it’s so rare that doctors may go their entire careers without encountering it. Because of its rarity, the condition is not well understood, and every child’s path looks different. What we do know is that it can affect nearly every aspect of development including growth, motor skills, speech, feeding, and overall health. Gael will need lifelong care and the support of many specialists to help him thrive.

Our family is doing everything we can to support him. My wife and I are learning a whole new medical language, attending constant appointments, and adjusting our lives to meet Gael’s needs. While we’re incredibly grateful for the care he’s received so far, the financial strain is real and growing.

We’re asking for your support to help us focus on Gael’s care and give him the best chance at a strong and healthy future. Your donation will go toward:

• Hospital expenses

• Physical, occupational, and speech therapies

• Travel and time off for specialist appointments

• Medical equipment and adaptive tools

• Childcare, household support, and lost income while we care for Gael full-time

• Any additional costs that arise as we learn more about his needs

My wife is currently on leave to care for Gael, and we’re doing our best to stay present for each other and our growing family while navigating an unexpected and overwhelming road ahead.

If you’re able to give, we would be truly grateful. And if you can’t donate right now, please consider sharing Gael’s story with your community. Every act of kindness helps and every share gets us one step closer to giving Gael what he needs.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being part of this journey. Your love and support mean the world to us.

With love and gratitude,

Michael, Karla, and Baby Gael

For more information on Tetrasomy 18p visit https://www.chromosome18.org/tetrasomy-18p/tetrasomy-18p