Let's help Leonel Robert Clark get home!

LEONEL ROBERT CLARK

Meet Leonel Robert Clark. Leo was born on November 16, 2021 and weighed 2.4 pounds at his pre-mature birth. Leo has a twin brother Rocco and big sister, Olivia who is Five. Leo’s mom, Erica Clark wound up in the hospital with Preeclampsia, a condition caused in pregnancy which elevates blood pressure in women even with no history of high blood pressure. The cure is to abort or deliver the baby. The choice was easy; Erica was admitted to the hospital and after two weeks of complete bed rest, the decision was made to deliver the “babies”. At first the family was led to believe everything with both boys followed the usual protocol for “preemie twins”. Leo and Rocco’s dad, Andrew Clark said they were the most beautiful little boys.

It became obvious very soon Leo wasn’t gaining weight and having breathing issues. Erica and Leo both needed two blood transfusions. Erica and Andrew knew something wasn’t right, but the hospital where the babies were born decided to send Rocco home when he reached 5 pounds and then three weeks later Leo was released when he was nearly five pounds. Leo had to keep returning to the hospital because he was having so much difficulty breathing on his own. Erica’s instincts told her something was being missed. Finally, after Leo was rushed to emergency and Pediatrician was changed; it was discovered his oxygen level was at 82%, too low. Supplying Oxygen, especially to an infant is a delicate balance in order not to cause more medical issues. Leo was rushed to Children’s Hospital where he is at present and the medical issues have been diagnosed which included: Bronchial Malaysia, translates to a smaller airway, Laryngomalacia which is a lack of muscle in the upper airway and which affects the child’s voice box. More tests (including 10 echocardiograms) indicated Leo will need surgery. The Vascular Ring which relates to blood vessels and other arteries that surround the trachea and esophagus. Then there is a Pulmonary Vein issue and finally what is called the Aortic Arch. This is a structural problem in arteries that branch off the Aortic Arch which distributes blood to the head and upper extremities.

It’s been determined these conditions are fixable, but it means Leo will be spending more time in the hospital. At present Leo has only spent a total of two weeks at home since his birth in November. And, even when he’s finally able to come home there is aftercare to consider and so many doctors’ appointments, along with what will be surgery when he’s a little older. As you can imagine many lives have changed in ways one could never imagine in order to walk this tightrope and balance the needs for Leo and the entire family. We are reaching out to those who know and love him and others who want to help on behalf of the family. The reward is knowing one day Leo and his family will celebrate good health and a lifetime of special occasions together.

All donations will help with our medical bills and allow Leo to land home safely, thank you!