Hi, this is Jessica Maret Feldhaus and I'm writing to ask for your help to support my amazing sister Amanda Maret Ratz and her little baby at such a critical time.

Amanda and her husband, Mike Ratz, were blessed to discover they were pregnant with baby number 3 in early fall. Their two children Hunter (4) and Blakelee (3) were so excited to welcome a new baby sibling into their family. But, by early January they found out there were two complications, one of those complications being potentially life-threatening for both baby and Amanda.

On Sunday, January 22, Amanda was rushed to Mercy hospital where she experienced the worst-case scenario of that life-threatening complication. A very skilled team of surgeons at Mercy acted quickly to save mom and baby - who was 24 weeks and 2 days along.

Amanda is currently hospitalized indefinitely while they try to give the baby the very best chance for survival while assessing potential risks for mom. Amanda remains in good spirits with a strong, unwavering faith and her trademark positivity and sense of humor intact. :)

My sister would be the very last person to ask for help, but the first person to help others. Let's surprise the Ratz family by showing them how loved they are by so many in the community.

The money we raise will allow her to eliminate the financial burden of unexpected medical bills and lost income due to prolonged bed rest/hospitalization. I know Amanda is so loved by many and I'm calling on all those folks to send prayers for healing and hopes for the brightest future possible for the family. Please consider sharing their story with your social network or donating, if you are able, to support them during this unexpected journey.

Thank you so much!

Jess Maret Feldhaus