Gemma Rose Mizelle

On March 7, 2017, my first granddaughter, Gemma Rose was born full term.  8 hours after she was born we learned she had several life threatening birth defects.  Her esophugus was connected to her right lung and her right airway was connected to her stomach.  She was transferred to Portsmouth Naval Hospital for immediate surgery.  The surgeons were able to connect her lungs properly but her esophogus would not reach her stomach and my children's hard journey began.  Gemma has been in NICU since her first surgery with 4 subsequent surgeries.  The last two have been due to complications.  We now are looking at July or later before she can come home to her family.  My children have been doing the best they can with 2 sons at home and a baby in the hospital but they are reaching the limits of what they can do.  We are asking our friends and family to help in any small way they can.  Dylan and Illysha are amazing parents and my grandchildren are the center of their world.  Miss Gemma, my little diva, is a fighter and will come out of this on top.  We want to thank you for your continued prayers and the support we have received.