Help Ava & Josh with Jackson’s medical expenses

Hi everyone! As many of you know, my name is Trena and I’m reaching out today to ask for everyone’s prayers and support to help teenage parents Ava Rediske (my niece) & Josh Livingston with all the additional expenses they have incurred and will continue to incur as they lovingly care for our precious premature baby boy Jackson Joseph Lee Livingston.

Jackson joined our family early at 28 weeks old during the height of COVID on February 26, 2021 weighing in at only 2 lbs 9 oz.

Since his birth, this strong baby boy has fought every step of the way! He has been such a trooper, but along with a premature birth has come many additional complications and added expenses for the family.

Jackson was in the Mercy (Des Moines, Iowa) NICU from the time he was born (February 26th) until after his scheduled due date. He was able to join us all at home on May 31st, but has been hospitalized several times since that date. During this time, Ava and Josh were at the hospital every day, while also finishing high school! Can you imagine how hard this would be as an adult, let alone a teenager? I know I can’t!

A shunt was surgically implanted after his birth to allow fluid to drain from his brain. He is doing a great job gaining weight, but there have been many complications with the shunt.

On June 16th, Jackson was hospitalized again when the doctors were concerned his shunt wasn’t working properly. It was confirmed it was not working properly (it was clogged), and he had to go in for emergency surgery to have the shunt surgically replaced.

On July 10th, he was brought back in the hospital due to a fever and it was discovered that Jacks has parainfluenza virus & was having additional complications with his shunt. The doctors removed the shunt and replaced it with an external one so the infection can clear before doing another surgery. During this visit, Jackson stopped breathing and was given medicine to help him breathe and has been having seizures as a result. It breaks my heart to think of all the obstacles this innocent baby has had to face during his short time!

Jackson remains hospitalized at Mercy in Des Moines, and is not showing the improvement we’d like to see, so his parents have made the tough decision to transfer him to the University of Iowa where he can get extra special care. They are on the waiting list for the Ronald McDonald house, but are looking into other housing options in Iowa City in the meantime.

Ava, Josh, and both grandmas have been at the hospital every single day and every step of the way. Ava is at the hospital daily and is unable to work so she can be there for her son. As her aunt I couldn’t be MORE PROUD of how strong and committed she’s been. I’ve seen her grow up so fast, and can’t imagine facing this as an 18 year old just out of high school! If you are able to offer any support, our family would be beyond grateful. If you’re not in a position to offer financial support, please just continue to keep Jackson in your thoughts and prayers.

Love you all!! XOXO