Hi everyone,

I’m creating this GoFundMe for Justine, who endured an unimaginable and traumatic loss, the passing of her and Jon’s precious baby boy, Ryan. He was born January 10th at 4:36pm. 

Ryan is Justine’s fifth baby, deeply loved and cherished from the moment she knew she was carrying him. He was already an important part of her family and always will be.

Justine experienced a sudden and severe placental abruption at 8 months pregnant. On the way to the hospital, she was going in and out of consciousness and lost a significant amount of blood. It was a terrifying, life-threatening emergency that required doctors to act immediately.

Justine was rushed into an emergency C-section in an effort to save both her life and Ryan’s.

When Ryan was born, doctors immediately began CPR. For 14 minutes, medical staff worked tirelessly to save him while we all prayed for a miracle. Although his heart was revived, the damage was not repairable, and Ryan was pronounced brain dead.

Ryan was kept on a ventilator while Justine and her loved ones held him, spoke to him, loved him, and said goodbye. Surrounded by love, Ryan passed around 6:00 AM January 11th.

Though his life was heartbreakingly short, Ryan was deeply loved. He mattered. He will always matter.

Justine is now facing overwhelming grief, physical recovery from a traumatic emergency surgery, and unexpected medical and memorial expenses, on top of a loss no mother should ever have to endure.

This fundraiser is meant to help ease some of that burden so Justine can focus on healing, grieving, and honoring her baby without added financial stress.

If you know Justine, you know her heart, her strength, her kindness, and how she shows up for others. Right now, she needs that love returned to her.

Any donation, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated. If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser and keeping Justine and baby Ryan in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you for helping us honor Ryan’s life and support Justine during the most heartbreaking time of her life.