Hello friends, family, and anybody in between!  I’m setting up this GoFundMe in service to my best friend, Katie. 

As it started out, Katie is coping with a condition in which the placenta covers the cervix. This initial diagnosis meant early delivery, at 37 weeks. Normally bleeding is the primary issue, but it’s moderately treatable. However, after further evaluation of her ultrasound, a referral appointment was set to see a high-risk obstetrician, who, suspecting the worst, referred her to someone who specializes in what’s called placenta accreta, an uncommon complication that is especially serious in which the placenta doesn’t independently develop, but attaches itself to the uterine wall and embeds there. These conditions are two separate complications coinciding and over 90% of mothers with both require blood transfusions and removal of the uterus. They estimate 2.5 liters of blood loss. The silver lining in all of this is the baby girl is healthy. 

During this stage, on top of her normal OB-GYN appointments, she has also been visiting 2 high-risk OBs about every two weeks, being transferred from one specialist to the next. Her and baby’s health is priority number one and thusit has also affected her capability to work as she was. 

Unfortunately, the latest ultrasounds showed that not merely is the placenta completely blocking the cervix, but the vasculature of the placenta has penetrated through the muscle of the uterine wall and is attaching to the bladder. This is a further complication called placenta increta. The worry now is that the placenta could pierce Katie’s bladder as it has developed through the uterine lining. 

Considering that her case is severe, she will most likely have blood transfusions, a hysterectomy, bladder reconstruction, as well as birth by Cesarean Section at 34 weeks, with her newborn in NICU - stressed and filled with fear would be an understatement. Each ultrasound progressively delivers more concerns. They’re giving baby Ava steroids to advance her lungs as much as possible, considering the now even greater risk of premature labor. 

It’s been a lot to process, both mentally and emotionally, but we’re focusing on being positive and proactive, working on keeping things as normal as possible for Veda and her. Just keeping one foot in front of the other, keeping the wheels churning with work, serving clients, and practicing balance by taking the time to take care of her body, and get rest. 

All of that being said - with such major surgeries, Katie cannot work as she recovers and bonds with her little one in the NICU. Many of you are mothers. Being a mother myself, my mind can’t comprehend the feeling of not having your newborn next to you, is unbearable. The recommended recovery time is months. The surgery comes with risk, as well as with a much larger recovery window, depending on the severity once they deliver the baby.

What can we do, and how can we support our friend during this incredibly stressful time? A workhouse that has helped so many, providing and sharing her abundance. We can give her the gift of time, contributing resources that will cover the financial burdens of recovery, while Katie cannot work. Money and stability are so important in those first few bonding months, allowing her time to bond with her daughter in the NICU.

Financial help is a gift of time for Katie. Being in the real estate business, Katie did not receive maternity leave with Veda and was immediately back to work. This is not possible with her current condition. Recovery is hard with so many surgeries happenings at once, and then we consider Katie also has Veda to care for. Veda was born at the height of Covid before the vaccine and she had little support in this state. 

We are all human and struggle to ask for help, so here I am asking for whatever support you can offer. Katie has so many wonderful friends she speaks highly of, who have graciously offered support in the past, and the hope is that your hearts are open to the spirit of giving. Being a mother myself, I can’t imagine what it must be like living this reality, and I’m certain some reading this will identify with it. 

Please consider donating. Being a mother to a one-year-old and having a pregnancy with so many complications is a feat of its own. Give what you can and we will continue posting updates. The next procedure in the treatment plan is an MRI. 

Nurturing our children is the most important job in the world and we get to provide nurturing by providing financial security. She is is thankful for ANY support. Kindness is currency and we’re all human and need help sometimes. Please consider donating. It takes a village. 

With Gratitude and Love,  

 Valerie