Bringing Emelia Home: Helping Kevin Jackson

We're raising money to help offset medical expenses for the family of one of our teammates, Kevin Jackson. We’re inviting you to help us show some love to this special family. Please take a few moments to let us tell you why.

 

Kevin has worked at Global Brew since early 2019. His positive attitude and willingness to help in whatever way he can has made Kevin a valuable member of our team. He is also a full-time student, serves in the Air National Guard, and has a young son, Colton.

 

We were happy to celebrate with Kevin when he married Delaney last year and even happier when he told us they were expecting their first baby together.

 

In September, Kevin and Delaney were told that their baby girl has a congenital condition called Gastroschisis.

 

Gastroschisis is a condition in which a baby’s intestines are outside of the body when she is born. This happens because of a hole or problem in the baby’s abdominal wall on one side of the umbilical cord. (You can read more about this condition below.)

 

Kevin and Delany’s little girl (Emilia Lynn Jackson ♥️) will have surgery right after she is born and will remain in the NICU while her body heals and until she is able to take and process milk. Altogether, this could take up to three months.

 

Like many of you, we had never heard of Gastroschisis before learning it had touched a family we care about very much. And just as we have celebrated with them in their happiness, now we want to lift them up in their difficulty.

 

Please donate whatever amount you can to help offset the financial weight the Jacksons will feel during this time. Medical bills, transportation, time away from work, childcare for their son. These are just a few of the burdens we hope to make a little lighter.

 

Regardless of what you can donate at this time, send them your love and remember them in your prayers. Peace and assurance for Kevin and Delaney. Smooth surgery, no complications, and quick healing for little Emilia! (And don’t forget her big brother Colton!)

 

Thank you for caring and taking the time to read their story.

 

The Global Brew Management Team

 

 

About Gastroschisis…

 

Gastroschisis occurs early during pregnancy when the muscles that make up the baby’s abdominal wall do not form correctly. A hole occurs which allows the intestines (and sometimes other organs) to extend outside of the body, usually to the right side of belly button. Because the intestines are not covered in a protective sac and are exposed to the amniotic fluid, the intestines can become irritated, causing them to shorten, twist, or swell.

 

Soon after the baby is born, surgery will be needed to place the abdominal organs inside the baby’s body and repair the hole in the abdominal wall. Even after the repair, infants with gastroschisis can have problems with nursing and eating, digestion of food, and absorption of nutrients.

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 1,871 babies are born each year in the United States with gastroschisis, but several studies show that recently it has become more common, particularly among younger mothers.