Hope for Riley Grace

Our family was blessed to welcome my beautiful niece, Riley Grace, on November 23, 2022. Unfortunately, her arrival came prematurely and with an overwhelming amount of complications. First-time parents, Chris and Megan, could not possibly prepare for the rough road ahead of them and their precious baby girl.

Riley was only 2lbs. and 4oz at birth and her parents were quickly informed that she had something called PDA (patent ductus arteriosus). PDA is a persistent opening between the 2 major blood vessels leading from the heart which affects the way the blood flows through the baby’s lungs.

Since her lungs were underdeveloped and she was unable to breathe on her own, Riley was immediately intubated and put on a feeding tube. 40 days later, she contracted MSSA, a type of staph infection, and flatlined. Doctors were able to revive her, but she was that much more fragile. It was then discovered that Riley had 4 VSDs (ventricular septal defects) after she coded, only complicating her already precarious cardiac condition.

Chris and Megan couldn’t hold their little girl until weeks after she was born and one of Riley’s lungs remain underdeveloped. She will likely have ongoing challenges.

About a month later, doctors finally extubated Riley, but within 6 hours she was diagnosed with another staph infection and metabolic acidosis.

After consultation with several doctors and the pleading of desperate parents, it was determined that Riley would be transferred to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to finally receive the cardiac care that she so desperately needed. The hospital that had been caring for Riley Grace could no longer handle her complicated medical needs. Within hours of transfer to CHOP, Riley underwent surgery to repair the PDA, which immediately helped improve her oxygen levels. Depending on her recovery and any unforeseen medical needs, it is unclear how long Riley will be staying at CHOP.

Having your first child should be a joyous experience and instead, they are tortured as they stand by helplessly watching their baby daughter suffer. No parent should have to worry about financial hardship while they fight to advocate for their infant. Luckily, Ronald McDonald House is home to Mom at a discounted rate while she stays close to her baby. But it just isn’t enough. Insurance won’t cover all costs of treatment and travel expenses are adding up (100+ days in the NICU), not to mention the amount of time spent out of work and in the hospital to be with their daughter. I know in times like this so many of us ask ourselves what can we do to help…this is the perfect answer! Please help my brother-in-law and his fiancée so they can focus solely on the health of their baby girl and get her the best medical care possible. ANY contribution is greatly appreciated. No amount is too small to help a family in need, and if you are unable to donate, please share and spread the word.

Thank you very much for any support you can give!