Help Flynn have everything he needs to come home!

Hi!

My name is Samantha and Ryan is my husband. We are new parents to Flynn! Flynn was born prematurely at 32 weeks gestation weighing 4lbs 13oz. I went home from work feeling unwell on the 11th, and my water broke that evening in bed. After a very intense and scary 8 hours, Flynn entered the world early December 12th at 5am. He has been in the NICU at KGH ever since and we are extremely grateful to them for helping Flynn get bigger and stronger. We spend every day at the NICU with him getting to know him and doing as much of his care as we are currently able to do.

We found out today that Flynn is almost ready to come home within the next week!

Though I planned to breastfeed that is no longer an option. I did not buy bottles and other bottle feeding items with the mindset that we would be breastfeeding exclusively. Yesterday Flynn was diagnosed with reflux issues that he will need to be on a special thickened diet to help treat, as well as exclusively bottle/formula fed as this thickener is made for formula.

I have applied for EI benefits but they have still not come in over six weeks later. Between the pandemic costing both my husband and I our jobs multiple times in the last year and a half, and our son coming two months early, we were unable to gather up the savings that we would have needed for this extended period of time. All savings have gone towards the money getting to and from the NICU, parking, groceries and bills over the last six weeks that we could not have planned for. These six weeks have been stressful beyond measure, and easing the financial strain would be such a gift.

We are hoping some people have the ability to help us buy the added necessities for Flynn that we were unable to foresee, as well as get through the first few weeks at home until my benefits get sorted out.

Anything and everything helps and I thank you for any kindness you are able to show towards my family.