After 12 Surgeries Baby Asher Still Needs Help.

Hi, My name is Marla, I am Michal's Aunt, helping to raise funds for Asher's parents Samantha and Michael Beck for their medical expenses.

Asher was born on Sept 8th with a life-threatening birth defect called Esophageal Atresia/ Tracheoesophageal Fistula (EA/TEF) a rare condition where the esophagus, which connects the throat to the stomach, does not develop. Asher’s parents, Sam and Michael, were devastated. Their tiny baby could not get any nutrition and what he did ingest, would likely wind up in his lungs, causing him to suffocate. The doctors at Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan offered hope, a treatment that could correct this abnormality. Many difficult surgeries would be required, but more than 90% of EA/TEF-afflicted babies who receive surgery go on to lead healthy lives.

Samantha had had to give up her job due to complications during her pregnancy, but Michael was working and had good insurance. They prayed that everything would be okay and got ready for the long road ahead.

The first surgery took place days after Asher’s birth. Samantha and Michael were by his side constantly, despite the fact that Sam was ordered to be on extended bed rest after a difficult pregnancy, labor and delivery that required two blood transfusions. And yet there she was all day, every day, in her wheelchair at Asher’s bedside. Michael went to work and then rushed to the hospital to spend every night with his baby boy.

Little Asher came through the first surgery and the second followed soon after. But this time he developed a serious infection – he was put on antibiotics, chest tubes were used to wash out the infection, a broviac tube administered meds and Asher who was having a hard time breathing was put on a ventilator. This setback delayed the surgery schedule by seven long weeks as everyone waited for his little body to get stronger. Still, the family struggled on.

On January 5th, 119 days after first being admitted to the NICU, ad multiple surgeries Asher finally came home. Unfortunately, two weeks later, he returned to the hospital again for emergency surgery and spent another three days in the Hospital.

Today, after 4 months in the NICU and twelve surgeries, six-month old Asher is back at home and the prognosis for recovery and a healthy life are quite good. He is a happy baby, smiling and starting to make babbling sounds. His esophagus has been successfully connected to his stomach. He now requires twice a week hospital visits for surgical procedures to dilate the esophagus to a normal 10cm. (He is currently at 9cm.) Asher also requires hospital visits for occupational and speech therapy and weekly home visits by a nurse, as he is not able to feed orally and requires a special formula which is continuously-fed through a gastro feeding tube.

This emergency is wiping out the Beck family emotionally and financially. Medical bills are coming in every day and have exceeded $2 million dollars! Their insurance is covering most of that, but they still desperately need help paying their portion of the medical bills, and expensive medicines and supplies that are not covered by insurance. Sam is still not able to work as Asher needs constant care 24/7. The couple also have 3 other children.

The family appreciates all the support that you are able to provide during this most difficult time. If you are not able to donate, please forward this link accross your network.