Help Support Preemie Elijah’s Healing Journey

Hi, my name is Alyx and I am reaching out to you trying to help raise funds for my best friend, and soul sister, Sarah, her family and their newest edition, Elijah.

Since before giving birth, Sarah has been admitted to the hospital 2 hours from home. Sarah had to be induced as soon as arriving and Baby Eli was born just 2 days later, early, at 27 weeks gestation. Currently she has had a host of medical issues doctors are attempting to resolve, they’ve been running multiple tests to try and diagnose the issues and treat her. After 8 different diagnoses and being treated for 4 different ones along the way. She was officially diagnosed with a rare auto immune disease that effects the blood. She also has been diagnosed with a heart issue, and a large clot in her IVC.

Baby Eli has been intubated and on a ventilator since he was born. He also has his own medical issues that are persisting and causing him more problems. He had a brain hemorrhage at just four days of life, a PDA in the heart, and a grade 3 brain bleed was found this past week via ultrasound, that was caused by the hemorrhaging and it is continuing to grow rapidly in size. The hospital attempted Lumbar Punctures to drain the fluid however it was unsuccessful and they’re currently preparing Baby Eli to be sent to Sick Kids in Toronto to have brain surgery. Where he will have a shunt and button implanted in his brain to drain the fluid. This button will remain in Eli’s head for the rest of his life as well as the shunt.

Needless to say this is putting a major strain on the families financial situation.

With multiple other children at home, it’s been difficult for the family to coordinate visiting while they are in hospital and funds are getting tight. Sarah is about to be separated from her baby as the hospital she is currently in will not discharge until she is well enough to go home. Baby Eli will be at Sick kids for a minimum of 2-4 weeks possibly longer depending on how the surgery goes and what recovery looks like for him. It is still a possibility that Baby Eli may require another surgery on the brain to help reduce the fluid and swelling if the shunt doesn’t drain enough of the fluid.

I am asking for any help that you can possibly give to aid in paying for gas/travel expenses, food while traveling, and accommodations if necessary. Sarah is a fiercely independent woman and never asks for help, which is why I am asking, please donate to help my friend and her family to get through this horrendous situation that life has thrown at them. They need as much support as possible at this time.

Thank you for taking your time to read, please share if you can’t donate.