Help Sarah and Pat Through a Difficult Time

Hello! My name is Amy. I am Pats sister, Sarahs sister in law and Rileys auntie Amy!

I’ve set up this GoFundMe with Pat and Sarah’s approval to help raise funds as they face a serious pregnancy complication called Vasa Previa. Sarah is expected to be hospitalized within the next week until their baby boy arrives early, which will likely be followed by a NICU stay. During this time, their income will be significantly reduced, as Pat will be the sole provider and caregiver for Riley.

For more detailed information, please see below. Thank you for your support.

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Dear friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers,

As many of you know, Sarah and Pat’s journey together has been filled with love, growth, and few tough challenges along the way. They first met in Whistler in 2017 and have built a beautiful life together ever since. In November 2022, they were overjoyed to welcome their sweet daughter, Riley and have absolutely loved every minute of life with her ever since. They were excited to add another bundle of joy to their family, and in August 2024, they found out they were expecting a baby boy, due in early May.

But life has thrown Sarah and Pat some curveballs recently, and they now find themselves facing one of the toughest challenges of their lives.

The Challenges:

In July 2024, Sarah’s world was rocked when she lost her father after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. As they were still reeling from this loss, another devastating piece of news came in October – Pat’s mother was diagnosed with cancer. In order to be closer to family during this incredibly challenging time, Sarah and Pat made the difficult decision to relocate their family to Ottawa, leaving behind their strong network of friends in BC.

But just as they were settling into their new home and life, things took an unexpected turn on March 1st, 2025. While driving home from the shops with her daughter, Sarah was rear-ended in a minor car accident. Being 30 weeks pregnant at the time, Sarah went to the hospital to be checked out. What was meant to be a routine visit soon became a source of great concern. During the ultrasound, doctors found something worrisome, and it was later confirmed that Sarah has been diagnosed with Vasa Previa, a rare and potentially dangerous condition for both Sarah and her baby.

What is Vasa Previa?

Vasa Previa is an uncommon but extremely serious pregnancy complication that affects less than 1 in 2,500 pregnancies. It occurs when the blood vessels from the placenta or umbilical cord cross over or run through the membranes of the uterus and pass through the cervix, which leads to the birth canal. This condition is particularly dangerous for the baby because if these blood vessels rupture, it can cause catastrophic bleeding, which can be life-threatening for both the baby and the mother. In fact, when undiagnosed or untreated, Vasa Previa can result in the death of the baby in up to 50% of cases.

The risks for the baby are very high because the blood vessels are fragile and can tear easily, leading to rapid and severe blood loss. This can result in oxygen deprivation, severe complications, or even stillbirth if the condition isn’t carefully managed. Due to the nature of the condition, babies with Vasa Previa require a caesarean delivery before full-term, usually between 34-37 weeks, to reduce the risks associated with labor.

In Sarah’s case, the diagnosis of Vasa Previa means she will need to be admitted to the hospital for monitoring starting at 31-32 weeks to ensure the health and safety of both herself and her baby. This early admission is critical, as any sudden rupture of the blood vessels could result in immediate and life-threatening consequences. The baby is also expected to need a stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) after birth to receive the specialized care he may need.

This diagnosis has understandably left Sarah and Pat shaken, as they now face a stressful and uncertain future, with many unknowns ahead. The risks involved are high, and the road ahead will require constant medical care, careful monitoring, and potentially an extended stay in the NICU before they can bring their baby home.

The Financial Strain:

The stress of Sarah being separated from her family and the uncertainty surrounding the risks to their unborn son due to Vasa Previa are already weighing heavily on Sarah and Pat. With Sarah in the hospital for close monitoring and Pat needing to reduce his work hours to care for Riley and support Sarah, the reduced income is adding even more pressure to an already incredibly difficult situation. They’re doing their best to stay strong, but the emotional and financial strain is making this challenging time even harder to navigate.

How You Can Help:

Sarah and Pat are reaching out to their community for support during this incredibly challenging time. Every donation will go directly toward:

We understand this is a lot to ask, and we are incredibly grateful for any contribution, no matter the amount. If you’re unable to donate, simply sharing this page with others who may be able to help would mean the world to Sarah, Pat, and their growing family.

Thank you for your support and your kindness during this incredibly tough time. With your help, Sarah and Pat can focus on caring for their family and welcoming their baby boy when the time comes.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Girouard and Hart Families