Help Tyler, Ash and Baby Maia In Their Time of Need
Donation protected
My name is Nicole, and I am reaching out for help for two very special people in our lives who are facing an incredibly difficult situation.
On January 9th, my brother, Tyler, and sister-in-law, Ash, flew from South Africa to the USA to attend my wedding on the 11th. The morning of the wedding, Ash suffered a placental abruption (bleeding) at only 22 weeks pregnant—a life-threatening emergency for both her and her baby. She spent 11 days in the hospital, and due to the severity of her condition, she has been deemed unfit to fly home.
Her risk of another placental abruption remains extremely high, and the chances of baby Maia being born prematurely and requiring an extended NICU stay are significant. After much discussion and medical advice, the family has made the heartbreaking but necessary decision to keep Ash in the USA until delivery, where Maia will have the best possible chance of survival.
However, this means Ash will be separated from her two little boys, aged two and four, who are back home in South Africa. Her husband—my brother, Tyler—will soon have to return home to be with them, leaving Ash to face this challenging journey alone in a foreign country.
The financial burden of this unexpected medical emergency is overwhelming. Current medical bills are already at $48,000, and this does not include ongoing outpatient and prenatal care or the additional hospital costs Ash will face when she gives birth. While their travel insurance hopefully covers medical expenses up to 26 weeks of pregnancy, there is a critical gap in coverage for everything from now (26 weeks) until Maia’s birth in early May 2025. The financial load is amplified by the very morbid exchange rate from their home countries currency to the US dollar.
How You Can Help
We are asking for any support to help the Leitch family during this time. Funds raised will go toward:
- Uncovered medical expenses from 26 weeks until delivery
- Accommodation, transport, and food while she remains in the USA
- Warm clothing for the current freezing temperatures in the state of Maine.
- All needed baby care items, including a cot, car seat, clothing, nappies, wet wipes, baby medicine, and everything else needed to care for a newborn—none of which they have here in the USA, as they were only supposed to be here for two weeks.
- Flight costs to get Tyler (Dad) back to the USA when Ash gives birth to baby Maia.
This situation was never expected or planned for, and we are doing everything we can to ensure both Ash and baby Maia get the care they need. If you can donate, even a small amount, it would mean the world to us. If you can’t donate, please share this appeal to help us reach others who may be able to assist.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness and generosity.
With love and gratitude,
Nicole & Family
Co-organizers (1)
Nicole Leitch
Organizer
North Windham, ME
Tyler Leitch
Co-organizer