Gianna's Story
Donation protected
For Brittany and Tony, February 24, 2020 started out like so many of their recent days; with their new baby due to arrive in only a couple short months, they were busy with loads of newborn planning and had just completed their pre-natal hospital tour of Edward Medical Center in Naperville. On their way home, they stopped at the store to grab a few things and get home to their 2-year-old son, Michael. It was there that Brittany’s water broke.
Although it was a full 7 weeks earlier than their due date, there was still no reason to anticipate that anything was amiss. Despite her water breaking, Brittany was not in labor and everyone was hopeful that she could remain in the hospital and deliver their baby in a couple of weeks. Those hopes were dashed and within a couple of hours, Brittany was in labor.
Almost as soon as Gianna was born, concern set in. Gianna was struggling to breathe and it took 25 minutes for the amazing team of doctors, nurses and medical professionals to stabilize her — Gianna’s strength can’t be discounted here. She fought as hard as she could to keep living! And, in spite of the odds in those very early hours, Gianna stabilized.
It was only after few days, filled with lots of despair coupled with lots of hope, that a clearer picture started to emerge; Gianna’s doctors began identifying multiple birth defects that were likely genetic. With further testing, Gianna was eventually diagnosed with CHARGE Syndrome, a rare syndrome that affects her eyes, ears, nose, and heart, however, never her spirit.
Over the past 9 months, Gianna has endured 11 surgeries, including open heart surgery, multiple hospital transfers and hundreds of blood draws, x-rays, etc. Yet every day she wakes up happy and excited. Gianna has proven over and over again just how strong and feisty she is.
On an emotional and personal level, this journey has been extraordinarily tough for Brittany, Tony and Michael. Brittany and Tony have had to spend weeks away from Michael as well as their other family members. And for a full 6 months, COVID-19 prevented them from ever being all together as a complete family unit.
From a financial perspective, this journey has been excruciating, Brittany was compelled to stop working in order to stay at the hospital and be present full time in Gianna’s care. And as the next phase of Gianna's story unfolds, the financial hardship threatens to get even worse.
The good news is that for the first time in almost 9 months Gianna has come home. She will still need around-the-clock care — the costs of this care, coupled with Gianna’s medical expenses, transportation costs for medical appointments, equipment and therapies will be debilitating.
This journey has taken Brittany and Tony into the deepest, darkest places, where trying to make sense of the uncertainty of Gianna’s life only manifests itself in worry, anxiety and mental anguish. Brittany plans to continue to stay home to be a hands-on part of Gianna’s 24/7 care. Brittany and Tony (and Michael too) are going to need all the support they can get.
As we rally around this beautiful family and bolster up their hearts and minds, any financial help or support will be key in giving them the space and peace needed to give Gianna the foundation from which to heal and flourish.
All money raised through this fundraiser will help go directly to Gianna’s medical expenses and care.
There is also a registry at Target if you wish to help out in this way.
Although it was a full 7 weeks earlier than their due date, there was still no reason to anticipate that anything was amiss. Despite her water breaking, Brittany was not in labor and everyone was hopeful that she could remain in the hospital and deliver their baby in a couple of weeks. Those hopes were dashed and within a couple of hours, Brittany was in labor.
Almost as soon as Gianna was born, concern set in. Gianna was struggling to breathe and it took 25 minutes for the amazing team of doctors, nurses and medical professionals to stabilize her — Gianna’s strength can’t be discounted here. She fought as hard as she could to keep living! And, in spite of the odds in those very early hours, Gianna stabilized.
It was only after few days, filled with lots of despair coupled with lots of hope, that a clearer picture started to emerge; Gianna’s doctors began identifying multiple birth defects that were likely genetic. With further testing, Gianna was eventually diagnosed with CHARGE Syndrome, a rare syndrome that affects her eyes, ears, nose, and heart, however, never her spirit.
Over the past 9 months, Gianna has endured 11 surgeries, including open heart surgery, multiple hospital transfers and hundreds of blood draws, x-rays, etc. Yet every day she wakes up happy and excited. Gianna has proven over and over again just how strong and feisty she is.
On an emotional and personal level, this journey has been extraordinarily tough for Brittany, Tony and Michael. Brittany and Tony have had to spend weeks away from Michael as well as their other family members. And for a full 6 months, COVID-19 prevented them from ever being all together as a complete family unit.
From a financial perspective, this journey has been excruciating, Brittany was compelled to stop working in order to stay at the hospital and be present full time in Gianna’s care. And as the next phase of Gianna's story unfolds, the financial hardship threatens to get even worse.
The good news is that for the first time in almost 9 months Gianna has come home. She will still need around-the-clock care — the costs of this care, coupled with Gianna’s medical expenses, transportation costs for medical appointments, equipment and therapies will be debilitating.
This journey has taken Brittany and Tony into the deepest, darkest places, where trying to make sense of the uncertainty of Gianna’s life only manifests itself in worry, anxiety and mental anguish. Brittany plans to continue to stay home to be a hands-on part of Gianna’s 24/7 care. Brittany and Tony (and Michael too) are going to need all the support they can get.
As we rally around this beautiful family and bolster up their hearts and minds, any financial help or support will be key in giving them the space and peace needed to give Gianna the foundation from which to heal and flourish.
All money raised through this fundraiser will help go directly to Gianna’s medical expenses and care.
There is also a registry at Target if you wish to help out in this way.
Organizer and beneficiary
Michael Spencer
Organizer
Chicago, IL
Brittany Cukierski
Beneficiary