Help with medical & counseling - infant loss

On Wednesday, August 18, our morning started off like any other. We started with breakfast and some play time with our nearly 3-yr old son, Graham, and healthy 3-week daugher, Emma Kate. Later that afternoon, Lauren and the kids were off to pick up a few items at Home Depot. Lauren went to get Emma Kate from her car seat and found her not breathing. Lauren started screaming for help and a nearby paramedic started performing CPR on Emma Kate. Meanwhile, Graham was watching everything unfold from his carseat.

Emma was rushed off the the local ER and was eventually resuscitated. It was estimated she went without a breath for nearly 30-40 min. Once stable (on a ventilator), Emma Kate was transported by helicopter to the Atlanta Childrens Hospital PICU. After arriving she stopped breathing again from a cardiac arrest and the doctors were able to get her breathing again and stable. We were finally able to go stay with our baby girl after many hours of waiting. The wonderful doctors and nurses peformed many tests, but could not come up with what caused this event. Due to the long period without oxygen, Emma Kate suffered severe injury to the primitive portions of her brain and her organs. The doctors said that if she survived that she would not be able to function on her own, including basic involuntary body function.

Lauren and I had to make the hardest decision we could ever imagine. Given her condition, consulting with medical professionals, and through many hours of prayer, we made the decision to say goodbye to our sweet baby girl. This was crushing. Emma Kate passed away in our arms at 5:09 PM on August 19, 2021.

Lauren and I are finding it hard to ask for help during this time. But we quickly realized that it is okay to ask for help. We have wonderful insurance, but anticpate a stack of medical bills. We are also lining up counseling services for us and Graham, which insurance does not cover. Lauren, Graham, and I welcome you to join us as we remember and celebrate the life of Emma Kate.

Any donations above what is needed will be used to start a fund raising agency for other families facing the loss of an infant.

Thank you for considering joining us during this difficult time.

With love,

Matt, Lauren and Graham