Hi, My name is Pamela and I am fundraising for a very dear friend and her sweet Baby.

Ashley was blessed with pregnancy after seven emotional rounds of IUI. She cautiously shared her joyful news with close friends and family. As her pregnancy progressed she carefully continued her physical, mental, and spiritual wellness journey and did everything she could to maintain a healthy lifestyle for herself and her growing baby.

As Ashley approached her third trimester her health rapidly declined. her symptoms were no longer typical pregnancy discomforts and as a precaution she went to the emergency department. At 27 weeks and 5 days of gestation she was diagnosed with severe pre-eclampsia and transferred to the Ottawa General Hospital where her baby girl, Kennedy Iris McDougall was delivered via emergency C-section weighing 1 lb 11 oz.

Ashley was admitted for a full week before the complications of her pre-eclampsia were under control. She continues to be treated to keep her blood pressure at a safe level, but the stress of being a NICU mom to a preemie comes with an immense amount of stress and grief. Add to that, not having any paid maternity leave due to the nature of being a contract worker. Ashley went back to work the day after being discharged from thee hospital, one week post-partum, while her baby remained in the NICU. Her strength, courage, and determination are unfathomable; yet no one should have to endure such a difficult situation.

Baby Kennedy has proven to be strong and courageous like her mom, but her journey has become complicated with the diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life threatening emergency affecting the gastrointestinal tract of infants in the NICU.

Kennedy needs her mom, and Ashley needs to be with Kennedy in the NICU.

Funds raised here will allow Ashley to take some time from work to be with her baby, where she belongs and deserves to be.

Any donation will make a world of difference for this beautiful family of two. Please keep them in your thoughts and your hearts. I will post updates here so that you can track Kennedy's progress and their journey of going home together.

Love and Gratitude.