I’m Madeline and I’m organizing this fundraiser on behalf of my brother and sister-in-law and their growing family.

Josh and Courtney are expecting a sweet baby boy, Joel. Joel was diagnosed with severe CDH (Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia) early on in the pregnancy (where major organs have moved into his chest cavity and are pressing against his lungs and heart. He will need reconstructive surgery immediately after birth), along with clubbed feet and other possible genetic issues.

They are faced with a lot of risks with this diagnoses one of them being a still born. As of right now his heart is still in good shape despite being cramped, but his lungs have decided to stop progressing completely, decreasing his chance of survival.

They were outsourced to Cincinnati Children's Hospital for further examination and to talk about potential surgeries he could be a candidate for.

He was a candidate for a surgery called FETO (where they go into the womb through his mouth to his lungs and place a balloon directly under his lungs. This can help give his lungs the room they need to continue developing).

With a surgery of this magnitude, there are many risks but after consulting with Joel's surgeon and Courtney’s team of doctors, they decided this was the best route to help make sure they bring their sweet baby boy home!

Courtney and baby Joel had the successful FETO surgery on Feb. 28th.

The FETO stays in for 7 weeks as long as within those weeks there are no signs of complications. Because this type of surgery comes with a lot of risks, Courtney is required to stay in Cincinnati for the remainder of her pregnancy to be close to Joel’s surgeon who will perform the FETO removal surgery and his reconstructive surgery after birth.

They have a long way to go and baby Joel will be facing a long road to recovery and time in the NICU.

Because Courtney is required to stay in Cincinnati, their family will be down to one income during this time. As we all know that’s difficult enough with three young children at home, let alone with the extra emotional baggage they are carrying during this time.

Please consider donating to help lessen the financial stress they are facing as they focus on bringing baby Joel home to meet his big sisters and big brother!

Thank you for taking the time to stop by!

-Madeline Phillips