Hello all,

We are reaching out to ask for support for the Sigafus Family. Some of you may know, but they were due to expect their first baby on August 20th. Miss Ellie Darlene was born 5 weeks early on July 18th and has been in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) since.

Hannah was supposed to deliver in Platteville but since she was so early the doctors thought it would be best to send her to Meriter just in case the baby were to need the NICU care. Thank goodness they did.

Hannah’s delivery went perfect but shortly after Ellie was born they realized she wasn’t breathing well. Hannah was able to hold her after delivery for a few short seconds before taking her to the NICU at Meriter. She was there until August 1st and then was transferred to UW Children’s Hospital NICU, where she is currently.

Ellies started out with diaphragmatic paresis that thankfully has healed with time. Now her poor little lungs are working hard to heal. She’s currently on a CPAP of 5 at 23% -30% oxygen.

She has been bravely fighting every single day under the care of an incredible medical team that has done almost every test possible with no explanation as to why her lungs shouldn’t be working at 100%.

While the family is deeply grateful for the progress Ellie has made, the journey is far from over.

As you can imagine, the emotional and financial toll of having a child in the NICU for an extended period is immense. Between overnight hospital stays, time away from work, gas money, food expenses, medical bills, and basic living expenses, the costs are adding up quickly.

This fundraiser is to help ease that burden so Zach and Hannah can focus their energy where it matters most: being by Ellie’s side.

All money raised will go directly toward medical bills and NICU-related costs, travel and parking expenses, meals and essentials for the family during this time and support for time missed from work.

If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this page to help us reach more people who may be able to help.

Thank you for your love, prayers, and generosity during this incredibly challenging time. Your support means the world.