My dear friend Emily that I have known since middle school has been enduring every mother’s worst fear over the last 6 months and her family could use some help! 

When Emily was pregnant with baby Howie she was told Howie wasn’t thriving and his chromosomes were off. They told her he’d be a dwarf if he survived , and later on told her he wouldn’t survive , That he’d be a still born. His lungs are too small, heart too big, diaphragm to high, after birth they said she would be lucky if he lives to be an infant and told her he definitely wouldn’t live to be his older brother Luca’s young age of only seven.

Baby Howie was born 2 months premature on May 14,2020 and was due July 7,2020 weighing only 3 lbs 2oz and had many complications. He was quickly placed on a vent and given steroids to help aid his lungs. He had many ups anddowns during his stay and the quality of care isfar less then what you would ever expect from a NICU. They were trying to rush him out. They wanted him discharged by his due date and attempted a wean off the vent. His lungs quickly collapsed and he was agin supported by a machine. The second wean resulted in a partial lung collapse and back on the vent. 

There were several requests for more invasive testing and aid which were frequently denied. Parents worries and fears about their child quickly brushed under the rug and ignored. Doctors frequently telling them that he would not live - and in those words. To not purchase clothes for him as he would never wear them. They basically wanted them to let their precious child sit there and die!

It was a long road but after 160 days in the NICU baby Howie is home with his loving parents Emily and Howard and a big brother Luca. He needs continuous care 24/7, is on oxygen and has chronic lung disease. Although he is home where he belongs the troubles still follow. Having a chronically ill child in the hospital is weighing to say the least. It is mentally, physically and emotionally draining. Now this amazing family is facing some very rough financial troubles as Emily has not been able to work tending to their very special little guy 24/7 and Howard’s employer let him go recently due to the high demand of his family. Bills stack up. Rent, electricity, groceries and supplies are all essentialfor this child to continue to blossom and grow. They needs our help right now and every penny counts. If there is anything at all you can spare all proceeds with go directly to Emily and Howard for everyday living expenses and care. Please help this family get back on their feet so they have one less thing to worry about during this holiday season! Thank you <3