13 And now these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love. But the greatest of these is Love.
1 Corinthians 13  (NIV)


Haven Anderson was given a 1% chance of surviving. Her story began August of 2018 when Clayton and Courtney found out they were going to have their first baby and our first Grandchild. All the fun aspirations of a little one on the way encircled them and their joy for her arrival was hard to miss.


This overwhelming delight, unfortunately, turned to heartbreak and tears. It was confirmed late in December that Haven would be born with a Bilateral Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH). This is a rare condition where the diaphragm is herniated allowing her stomach and other vital organs to move from her tummy into her chest cavity, constricting her lungs and heart due to the lack of diaphragm development early in the pregnancy. At this time, the hope for baby Haven’s survival was at 25%. We notified the family on Christmas day, of the events that were to unfold in the upcoming months and ask for relentless prayer.
 
As the weeks past so did many doctors, specialist, and hospital visits. Each appointment bringing yet another complication, one after another; it felt as if we were tied to the side of a ship that was being slammed against the rocks; wave after wave crashing against us.
 
In the beginning, the plan was for Clay and Courtney to stay near the hospital in case of an early delivery. A team of doctors would be available at any time to rush Haven into surgery if this were to happen. Then perform their extremely delicate operation of placing her stomach, intestines, spleen, gallbladder, and liver back into its proper area.


At Courtney’s 33-week appointment, which was intended to be a delivery planning meeting, Courtney’s exam revealed that Haven had almost no diaphragm, just a very small portion underneath her heart. They were also informed that Haven’s lungs had only developed to 4% of the standard volume. The Doctors expressed their concern to the kids (Clay & Courtney) that with Haven’s lungs being so small, the unlikelihood of survival was high, that any lung volume under 12% would be a distressing outcome. Haven’s survival rate had now been decreased to 1% and doctors strongly suggested that the kids consider a natural delivery with comfort care (giving medication to Haven to comfort her while letting her pass in their arms).
 
It now seemed as though the entire specialist team had lost hope. All of Haven’s organs were developing in her chest cavity, her heart was being pushed out of its proper place, the arteries to the heart were compromised, and the list seemed to go on forever.


The kids NEVER lost FAITH. Jesus built a solid foundation under them that is rarely seen.
 
The previous plan to stay close to the hospital, and rush Haven into surgery had now been taken out of consideration, and any glimmer of hope seemed to have dissolved right in front of them. Seeking a second opinion, Clay and Courtney flew out of state to visit the nations number 1 hospital for CDH repair. After more tests and a meeting with a surgeon, who had successfully performed a bilateral repair in the past, the kids received even more negative news and experienced a disappointing outlook from the medical team.
 
Clay and Courtney, with hearts so broken that they couldn’t even find all the pieces, chose to attend a church service the afternoon before they were to head back home the next day. That whole afternoon, noticeably odd things kept happening and by the time the service had ended they both experienced something that they still can’t explain. However, they both immediately knew that God took them over 1000 miles away from their home, not to see a surgeon, but to experience Jesus like they never had. He showered his strength and comfort over them throughout the service. Not knowing how to put it into words, I will just tell you the hand of Christ touch them. They then returned with a sense of peace in their hearts that only Jesus could give.
 
Details as of April 9th- Haven is born.
Haven came into this world with her mouth open wide, but not a sound came from her little body. Her mommy and daddy did not get to hear the sweet cry of their baby girl, letting them know she had arrived. Her tiny lungs just couldn’t hold enough air. She was then assessed to see if she could withstand the life-support system that she is now on (ECMO). This has been a very critical element in Haven’s care that assists her heart and lungs allowing her body to heal and work on the development of her lungs. Even though the doctors were very skeptical of making it to this point, Haven has been able to tolerate the machine and is going on two weeks!


By the grace of God, Haven’s precious body has done so well. Haven’s Doctor, who is adored by Courtney and Clay, has clearly been under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and was able to successfully perform her very fragile procedure of placing all of Haven’s organs back into her tummy and repairing both sides of the diaphragm.
 
This is the first bilateral CDH surgery performed for both Haven’s Hospital, and for her Surgeon.
Haven survived the surgery and continues to astound the doctors each day. However, she won't be out of the woods for quite some time and remains on life support. The doctors say if all goes well Haven will be in the NICU for a minimum of three months, and the kids will need to consider moving to sea level, as Haven’s lungs will not tolerate the high altitude of Colorado. Haven’s medical needs are far from being determined and the financial strain on the kids will be unfolding for quite some time.
 
Nonetheless, FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE are prevailing.  With God holding tight to this new family we are certain his miracle isn’t finished.  


There is #HOPEforBABYHAVEN.
 
 
Your gift
Our goal is to raise $100,000 and will help Clay and Courtney with the following


·         Medical costs not covered by insurance, now and to come
·         Home care costs for Haven's specific needs
·         Loss of income for Courtney and the anticipated care needed for Haven
·         Move to sea level due to Haven's medical needs
·         All other unforeseen out-of-pocket expenses



A personal note
Clay and Courtney have a light that resonates within them, and there is no mistake that they stand firm in their faith. They would much prefer to give than receive and count every prayer that is offered up in the name of Jesus for their baby girl Haven is nothing less than a priceless gift.
 
We, Grandma and Grandpa, want to thank all who are able to give a monetary gift and pray that every giver whether prayer or financial will be blessed by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.


We will keep you posted on Haven's progress. Please feel free to contact us directly. We will be updating each day; however, due to the kid’s circumstances, this may vary.
 
Please share this https://www.gofundme.com/hope-for-baby-haven with everyone you know and refer to the

#HOPEforBABYHAVEN.


God Bless
Grandma & Grandpa Anderson