Evelyn Joy entered the world at just 24 weeks, weighing only 1 pound 5 ounces. She has already spent 140 days in the NICU, fighting bravely every single day. During her stay, Evelyn was supported with a breathing tube for almost the first two months of her life and still remains on respiratory support, likely needing oxygen even after going home. She has received at least seven blood transfusions, endured various central lines, total parenteral nutrition, steroids, sedation, insulin infusions, and dopamine. Evelyn faced a heart defect known as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and received medication to close it, with the risk of needing surgery if it did not resolve. She also received Avastin eye injections and propranolol to treat retinopathy, but unfortunately, these were not successful, and she will need laser surgery. Most recently, Evelyn was diagnosed with neonatal seizures, adding to the overwhelming challenges her family has faced.
Now, Evelyn needs to be transported to Ochsner NICU in New Orleans for a higher level of care, including pediatric neurology and surgery consultations, likely G-tube placement, and laser ablation for her eyes. Her parents have been traveling back and forth from Anacoco to visit her, and with this next step, they will need to make the journey to New Orleans to be by her side. The family will need funds for traveling, hotels, eating, and medical expenses as they support Evelyn through this next phase of her care. In addition, Evelyn’s parents have missed work due to her unstable condition during her long NICU stay, making the financial strain even greater.
As one of the NICU nurses caring for Evelyn, I have witnessed the strength and love her family pours into every moment. The financial burden of travel, medical bills, food, housing, and lost income is overwhelming, especially as their journey continues far from home. Your support can help ease these burdens and allow Evelyn's family to focus on what matters most—being there for their little girl as she receives the care she needs.
As a mother of a NICU infant myself, I know that any donation, no matter how small, will mean so much to this family. These 140 days have been incredibly difficult, and their journey is not over. Please join me in lifting Evelyn up—God has a special plan for this little girl, and together, we can help her family through this challenging time.
Now, Evelyn needs to be transported to Ochsner NICU in New Orleans for a higher level of care, including pediatric neurology and surgery consultations, likely G-tube placement, and laser ablation for her eyes. Her parents have been traveling back and forth from Anacoco to visit her, and with this next step, they will need to make the journey to New Orleans to be by her side. The family will need funds for traveling, hotels, eating, and medical expenses as they support Evelyn through this next phase of her care. In addition, Evelyn’s parents have missed work due to her unstable condition during her long NICU stay, making the financial strain even greater.
As one of the NICU nurses caring for Evelyn, I have witnessed the strength and love her family pours into every moment. The financial burden of travel, medical bills, food, housing, and lost income is overwhelming, especially as their journey continues far from home. Your support can help ease these burdens and allow Evelyn's family to focus on what matters most—being there for their little girl as she receives the care she needs.
As a mother of a NICU infant myself, I know that any donation, no matter how small, will mean so much to this family. These 140 days have been incredibly difficult, and their journey is not over. Please join me in lifting Evelyn up—God has a special plan for this little girl, and together, we can help her family through this challenging time.