Help Baby Arya and the Duncan Family

Hi, my name is Carrie Thomas, and I am raising money for my cousins. But this isn't about me. On February 15, Zak and Lisa Duncan welcomed Arya into this world. She was born early-by emergency c-section due to issues with her amniotic fluid. She weighed in at just over 3 pounds. Because Arya was a preemie, she was placed in an incubator and was given treatments for jaundice-which is all very typical for a baby born at 36 weeks. She was on oxygen for a few days but then could breathe on her own without any help.

On February 22nd, Arya was feeding and aspirated in Lisa's arms. The doctors and nurses were able to revive her, but she was put back on oxygen. By February 24th, Arya had started to decline, and it was determined that the NICU she was in could not provide the care she needed. She was transported by ambulance to Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago.

Now Lisa and Zak are working with a team of 7+ doctors who are looking for answers to figure out why Arya can't suck, swallow and breathe at the same time like other babies. The doctors have also found a white spot on her brain, indicating brain damage. This is likely from lack of oxygen, but they don't know the severity yet. Arya had an MRI today, and because of the sedation she had to be given, her oxygen levels dropped into the danger zone again.

Lisa and Zak are loving, dedicated parents. They have a beautiful family waiting at home for Arya. Lisa is still recovering from her c-section but hasn't had a moment's rest because she has been at the hospital with Arya. Zak has also been there with Lisa-who cannot drive due to her surgery. Things are dire with Zak not working, and the family is encountering endless medical bills and probable long-term care for Arya.

I am asking for help for this family to focus on caring for Arya in the hospital and getting her the care that she needs. What they need most of all are answers. And that is going to take time.

If you can give anything, it would be so appreciated. The family will use the money to pay for household expenses usually covered by Zak's salary, mortgage, and other bills. Their need is urgent because they need to focus on Arya, which is a full-time job at this time.

I spoke with Lisa this evening, and we talked for a long time, woman to woman, mother to mother, and cousin to cousin. We cried, we laughed, and we talked about this quote.

I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much.

~Mother Teresa

Thank you so much for listening to Arya's story...she is already so much braver than me, and she has only been here with us for two weeks.