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Hi, my name is Merrie, and I am fundraising to help my daughter Becci and her long-time love, Marshall, who were surprised by the very premature birth of their miracle micro-preemie son, Colson, on March 31, 2022. He was born at 23 weeks 5 days gestation weighing 1.9 lbs, and was only 12.8 inches long. He is in the NICU and is expected to be there for at least 3-4 months.
Becci and Marshall have been spending most of their waking hours with Colson in the NICU, missing work and therefore pay. Marshall will be going back to work, but Becci will stay with Colson in the NICU full-time. This change in income, in addition to Colson's unknown current and future care needs, are why we are reaching out for help. Your support could go a long way in helping to alleviate the unimaginable stress this little family is going through. Every little bit helps.
Here's how the events unfolded:
Becci and Marshall were overjoyed when they found out they were pregnant again on November 11, 2021. She had suffered through a horrific miscarriage in July of 2021, during which she hemorrhaged while waiting for her scheduled D&C and nearly died.
This pregnancy was progressing smoothly. Becci was just beginning her sixth month, felt safe, and was looking forward to her baby shower coming in June. On March 27th, Becci started feeling that something was not right. Her symptoms worsened over the next 2 days. She was having reoccurring sharp pain in her abdomen and pelvic area. She knew that something was wrong, so she went to labor and delivery at the hospital at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29th. . The doctor ordered blood draws, ran some tests and did a pelvic exam. Then they discharged her without any definite diagnosis , telling her that they suspected she had a UTI, which would clear up on it's own. They said to go home, rest and wait for your scheduled checkup the following Monday. They said not to worry about the baby. She went home and suffered through the night. Becci woke up feeling worse than ever in the morning and knew that something was NOT right. She tried and tried to contact her OB’s office. She left message after message with no return call. Finally, at 1:45, they answered and said that an appointment had opened up at 2:30. The doctor did a pelvic exam and told Becci that she was in labor and was 5 centimeters dilated. She was told to get to the hospital immediately. She was admitted into labor and delivery at AAMC at 3:30 p.m. Everything got hectic and crazy from there. Her room was overrun with doctors and nurses poking and prodding. The baby was COMING, and there was nothing they could do to STOP it. Becci was in shock that this was happening! It's TOO EARLY! She was given magnesium to slow down the contractions and steroids to help with the baby’s underdeveloped lungs. Marshall and I were called, and both rushed to the hospital to be by Becci’s side. It was a long and torturous night. As much as they were trying to prevent it, her water broke at 5:00 a.m. Doctors were monitoring her progress. After they checked her at 10:00 a.m., she was told abruptly that IT WAS TIME TO PUSH! (without an epideral). Colson was born at 10:29 a.m. on March 31, 2022. He let out two tiny little cries and was whisked away to the awaiting neonatal team. They worked their magic, inserting all kinds of tubes and life-saving apparatus. Finally, Colson was stable. They wrapped him up and brought him over to meet Mom, Dad and Nana just long enough for a few precious photos. She never even got to hold him. Off to the NICU he went, and there he’ll stay for the foreseeable future. He has been receiving excellent care. His first brain scan revealed that he has a grade 2 intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH).
Becci and Marshall are humbled by the incredible amount of love and support they have already received. Your prayers are greatly appreciated, and for those of you asking how you can help, this is the best way that we could think of for you to do so. Thank you for caring. Please share this link with anyone who might wish to help.