Matt and Toni’s world changed when their daughter Kimmy arrived four months early. Born extremely premature, Kimmy is now in the NICU at Syracuse, over 130 miles from home. Toni is staying in Syracuse to be close to Kimmy, while Matt makes the two-hour drive each way as often as possible to support them both. Kimmy is currently on a ventilator, feeding tube, and heart monitors, fighting bravely in critical condition. Her journey is just beginning, and she will need to stay in the NICU until at least September 2025.
The long distance and daily travel are taking a toll on the family, both emotionally and financially. Toni was advised by her doctors and work to take her maternity leave in May, even though she had planned to use it in September when Kimmy was originally due. With Kimmy’s early arrival, Toni will soon run out of leave and it’s uncertain when she’ll be able to return to work. Matt is also missing work to be at the hospital, making it even harder to keep up with everyday expenses. Their 16-year-old daughter, Amelia, is staying at home with her grandmother and their dog, trying to keep life as normal as possible during the end of the school year and summer break. Amelia is anxiously waiting for the day Kimmy can come home, as she is not allowed in the NICU to meet her little sister yet.
This fundraiser is to help Matt and Toni with the cost of fuel for their daily trips to Syracuse, so they can continue to be with Kimmy as she fights for her life. Any support will help ease the burden and allow them to focus on what matters most: being there for their daughter during this critical time.
The long distance and daily travel are taking a toll on the family, both emotionally and financially. Toni was advised by her doctors and work to take her maternity leave in May, even though she had planned to use it in September when Kimmy was originally due. With Kimmy’s early arrival, Toni will soon run out of leave and it’s uncertain when she’ll be able to return to work. Matt is also missing work to be at the hospital, making it even harder to keep up with everyday expenses. Their 16-year-old daughter, Amelia, is staying at home with her grandmother and their dog, trying to keep life as normal as possible during the end of the school year and summer break. Amelia is anxiously waiting for the day Kimmy can come home, as she is not allowed in the NICU to meet her little sister yet.
This fundraiser is to help Matt and Toni with the cost of fuel for their daily trips to Syracuse, so they can continue to be with Kimmy as she fights for her life. Any support will help ease the burden and allow them to focus on what matters most: being there for their daughter during this critical time.
Organizer and beneficiary
Ashley Rizzo
Organizer
Ogdensburg, NY
Matthew Lottie
Beneficiary