Hi,

My name is Amanda and I am starting this fundraiser to help Mellisa and Cody Smith. On Thursday September 30th Mellisa had serious complications with her pregnancy. For unknown reasons Mellisa developed Placenta Abruption.

She was rushed down to the U of M due to the seriousness of her complications and gestation date of only 21 weeks. The doctors were quick and Mellisa got 2 steroid shots to strengthen Wessons lungs and a Magnesium shot to prevent brain bleeds.

Placenta Abruption slowed however Wesson went into distressed and his heartbeat dropped. On Sunday October 3rd, via C Section, Mellisa gave birth to sweet baby Wesson. Wesson was born at 22 weeks weighing 12.7 ounces, 10 in long, and a head circumference of 7 in.

Wesson is a fighter. He has had multiple blood transfusions and will continue to daily until he can produce his own blood. He has a breathing tube and a feeding tube. His lungs are sticking together a little so they have been giving him medication to expand the lung space. Wesson has been struggling with his Blood Pressure and gets Overstimulated. Both of which he has been receiving medication for.

Mellisa and Cody have had to and will continue to make many difficult decisions. Many things are still unknown. They are thankful for all the doctors, nurses, and support from everyone. Although they have not been able to and do not know when they will be able to hold Wesson they are able to touch him and cradled him in the incubator in the NICU.

Wesson has begun reaching big milestones. He is starting to regulate his own blood pressure. He doesn’t need medication for overstimulation when Mellisa and Cody are touching him. He greatly enjoyed tasting breastmilk for the first time on a Q tip.

This GoFundMe is to help Mellisa and Cody with travel back and forth as she is expected to be released from the hospital tomorrow. It is to help buy baby gear for when Wesson is released as they never had time to have a baby shower. It is to help with bills and living expenses while Mellisa is out of work.

The months ahead will be a up hill battle for this family and they appreciate all the donations, prayers, and positive vibes from everyone.