Main fundraiser photo

Help Rachel & Baby Cole

Donation protected
Baby Cole was delivered prematurely almost three months too early.  Rachel, his mom, had preexisting high blood pressure, which made it impossible to carry Cole in her womb without threatening the lives of both of them.  After undergoing an emergency c-section, Rachel's baby was delivered after only 27 weeks in gestation, weighing only 2 lbs & 6 oz.  Baby Cole has been staying in the hospital NICU since his birth last February as he grows and learns how to breath. 
After Cole was delivered, the hospital staff administered various medications to help lower Rachel's blood pressure, but at first, to no avail.  After staying seven days in the maternity unit, the hospital transferred Rachel to the cardiology unit, where the staff would examine her heart and administer the necessary medication to lower her blood pressure.  Finally after a nine-day stay in the hospital, Rachel was released.
In the first five months of her pregnancy, Rachel did not know that Cole was growing inside of her 44-year-old womb.  She has never been pregnant before.  Rachel thought she was going through menopause and her jeans wouldn't fit because she was "middle-aged." By the time she found out that she was pregnant, she had only a few weeks to wrap her brain around the idea of being pregnant for the first time, let alone raising a child. 
Rachel had very little time to set-aside funds for Cole's future expenses and for missed time at work.  So this was a very stressful time for Rachel.  She was worried that her tiny, fragile infant would not survive. She didnt know if she would be able to make enough money to pay for her rent and other bills, including her hospital bills and Baby Cole's future expenses.  
Rachel has spent time visiting Cole in the hospital almost everyday, where she has learned how to administer care to her son with very special needs as a preemie. Rachel had admittedly never changed a diaper before!  She learned everyday how to take care of a premature baby.
In the last decade Rachel has been earning her living by performing in musical ensembles and traveling to her young students' homes after school to teach them weekly private music lessons in voice, piano, guitar, bass guitar, flute, & ukulele. Rachel has always loved working with children and finding creative ways to make learning music fun. 
Rachel's music students missed seeing her when she was away, and most of her students were happy to continue lessons upon her return.  The children really enjoyed looking at pictures of Baby Cole! They had no idea that Rachel had been carrying a baby inside of her all that time and had lots of questions!
The Goal:
Rachel wants to be able to afford to stay at home with Baby Cole during the day, and then teach music after school time for a few hours as she continues to help children learn to sing and play instruments, build their confidence, and be a positive influence in their young lives. 
Rachel is building her funds gradually as she is working to catch-up on missed payments & medical expenses. But it's been a slow process because Rachel has been doing this alone. Baby Cole's father is dealing with personal issues, as well as facing child support issues with his two young sons. 
Cole will need special attention as a preemie, and although Rachel is doing her best to apply for medical assistance from the state and other sources, time is running out. Cole is doing so well in the hospital, that the doctors that he will be released very soon and his health insurance will no longer cover his stay in the hospital.
Without help, Rachel will not be able to afford to keep her home, and she will not be able to support her Baby Cole when he is ready to come home. But he needs a home to come home to.
No matter what monetary goal is listed, anything you can contribute to help Rachel & Baby Cole would be greatly appreciated and help make a difference.  Thank you for your support and consideration!
Donate

Donations 

  • Stephen Pease
    • $100 
    • 5 yrs
Donate

Organizer

Rachel Conrad
Organizer
Ambler, PA

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.