Hi, my name is Michelle, and I’m sharing this on behalf of my niece Ashland and her precious baby boy, Nolan Harris McClellan.

One week ago, Monday October 25th, Ashland was rushed by ambulance to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville after developing serious complications with her pregnancy, likely due to ongoing stress. Once she was admitted, doctors determined that she would need to remain hospitalized until her baby reached 35 weeks — if he could make it that far. Ashland was 26 weeks pregnant.

It was devastating news. Ashland has already endured more than most could imagine in recent months, and now she was facing the very real fear of losing her baby. To make matters even harder, she had to stop working and prepare for months of uncertainty within the walls of the hospital.

Then, on Halloween night, just five days into what was expected to be months long hospital stay, everything changed again. Despite stable vitals for both Ashland and baby earlier in the day, doctors suddenly detected danger to the baby’s life — and Ashland was rushed into an emergency C-section.

At just 26 weeks, baby Nolan entered the world weighing only 1 pound and 1 ounce.

He is a fighter.

Ashland is a fighter.

Ashland remains in the hospital, her own room near the NICU so she can be with Nolan every possible minute. Although she can’t yet hold or touch him, she’s able to sit by his side, talk to him, sing to him, and place small pieces of fabric she’s worn inside his incubator so he can know his mama’s scent.

It’s hard to put into words the mix of heartbreak and hope that fills each day. The family is rallying behind Ashland and Nolan — her parents, grandparents, aunts, siblings, friends, and everyone who loves her — all doing whatever we can to keep her spirits strong and her needs met while she focuses entirely on her tiny son’s fight for life.

We’re asking for your help to ease some of the financial burden so Ashland can keep doing what every mother would do — be by her baby’s side. She cannot return to work right now, and the bills are starting to pile up alongside the ongoing hospital costs.

Every prayer, every share, every kind word, and every dollar makes a difference.

Ashland’s strength is nothing short of inspiring. Only hours after surgery, she was already on her feet, determined to reach her baby’s side. She continues to show faith and courage in the face of exhaustion and fear.

Please join us in helping this young mother and her miracle boy through the long road ahead.

Thank you for your love, prayers, and generosity. ❤️