Help Preemie Warrior Ellie Grace

On Friday December 29th Jen and Corby welcomed little Ellie Grace. Born at just 25 weeks, Ellie weighs slightly over 1 pound and is just 13 inches long. She's currently battling an infection and has a long road ahead before she can come home.  As a preemie mom myself, I know the coming months will be very trying for Corby, Jen, and Ellie. For every one step forward, there's often two steps back. Every single day is fight. A fight to stay alive, a fight to gain weight, a fight to battle contagions and germs a little 1 pound body was not supposed to have to handle. One of the most critical components of Ellie's care plan is ensuring her parents are available to participate in her care.  Study after study has shown the importance of parental involvement in the NICU; reducing hospital stays, speeding recovery, and quite literally saving lives. However, thrust into parenthood 15 weeks ahead of schedule Jen and Corby are faced with the impossible decision of when to exercise the all too short maternity leave afforded to them. 

My hope is to raise enough to allow Jen the extra leave she and Ellie so critcally need and alleviate the financial pressure ahead for Corby. The NICU experience is consuming; it will occupy their every thought in the coming months and there's really no feasible way for Jen to return to work with her baby clinging to life away from her. However, even if Ellie is healed through God's grace and is able to come home on schedule, developmentally she will still be a newborn and need round the clock care.

I know during a time of crisis people often ask, "What can I do? How can I help?"

First and foremost I ask you please keep Ellie, Jen, and Corby in your prayers. Prayers to heal Ellie and bring comfort to Jen and Corby. 

Next, if you feel led please consider donating. Having been down this road before I can share no NICU parent should be forced back to work before they are ready. Caring for a critical infant is more than a full time job, it's all consuming. 

Or consider selecting something from their registries at Amazon and Target.