Give Baby Tyler a Fighting Chance

After five years, struggling with infertility, Emily and Evan Duffy finally conceived their “miracle baby:” Little Tyler. They celebrated with excitement and anticipation, but during the 20 week ultrasound, the doctor noticed the his heart was being pushed to the right side of his chest. After undergoing a fetal echocardiogram, MRI and multiple ultrasounds, Little Tyler was diagnosed with a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH).

CDH occurs when there is a hole of undeveloped diaphragm that allows fluid (and sometimes organs such as liver and stomach) to move into the baby’s chest creating pressure on the heart and fragile developing lungs. The national survival rate for babies with CDH is 65%. Emily and Evan have been referred to Boston Children’s Hospital, where the survival rate is much greater (85%) to give baby Tyler his best chance. He will need to be delivered in Boston and receive surgery shortly after birth.

Recovery at the hospital will be based on his lung function at birth, but averages 3 to 12 weeks. During his recovery, there will be many expenses, including $75/day BCH family housing, $11/day parking, gas for commuting from Vermont to Boston and medical expenses/deductible- all while being on unpaid maternity leave. Any help in giving Tyler his best chance is appreciated.