On April 12th, 2023, Grace and Jeff went to a doctor's appointment to see how their baby was developing and to have an anatomical ultrasound. At this appointment they were really excited to maybe find out the gender, too. At eighteen weeks, Grace and Jeff felt fairly safe in how their baby was developing, but unfortunately they recieved devastating news. Their baby's brain had not developed. The medical term is called anencephaly. In addition, Grace has placenta previa, which can result in complications of bleeding due to the placement of the placenta. Anencephaly is when the baby's brain is underdeveloped and there is incomplete skull formation. At this time, Grace and Jeff are facing a lot of unknowns about the future, but one thing is for sure - they have our support.

I wanted to create this GoFundMe so that we could shower them with love and support. And, maybe help relieve some financial stress due to the current situation of having more medical tests and appointments required due to the critical and overwhelming decisions they now face. A baby born with anencephaly might be stillborn or survive only a few hours to a few days after birth and the last thing I want is for Grace and Jeff to worry about paying their medical bills.

I have been so proud of how Grace and Jeff have taken this terrible news and found joy in the little things like seeing their baby kicking and moving around on the ultrasound. And, how they wanted to make sure their oldest daughter, Jenna, who is six years old, is supported in handling the grief that she now won't be an older sister.

They are a wonderful family and we would appreciate any amount that you can donate to help with medical expenses such as doctor appointments, ultrasounds, a cesarean section and funeral/burial services.

They did find out that their baby is a GIRL, her name is Julia Anne, and she is loved by many. ❤️ “A life need not be long-lived, for it to have been meaningful."

4/20/2023 post from Grace and Jeff

My family and friends,

I can not thank you enough for everything you have done to support our little family during this time. You all have donated very generous amounts money for our medical expenses for baby, brought us flowers and meals, called and texted and messaged us, and held us as we cried. I have no doubt that God put all of you in our lives and you showed us love when we needed it the most. I just want to hug each and everyone of you. I have no words to describe my thanks to you. I love you.