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Lev’s Story

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It was meant to be an exciting time for Hillary and Tyler, as they were expecting their second child.  After years of schooling, they  moved to New Jersey with their two-year-old son, Liam, to be closer to family. Hillary just just started her new career as a pediatrician .

However at 27 weeks, Hillary was placed on bedrest due to an abnormality of Lev’s kidney. Unexpectedly, baby Lev was born just three days later weighing only three pounds.  New to their jobs with no paid time off, these early weeks were not only a frightening time, but were also financially distressing. After the first few weeks , Tyler returned to work sporadically also taking care of Liam, while Hillary remained bedside in the NICU at CHOP.  Lev was diagnosed with chronic lung disease requiring prolonged respiratory support, kidney issues and many other medical issues related to his extreme prematurity. He needed, and continues to need, specialized medical care as well as time to grow and heal.

Days turned to weeks, weeks turned to months and after six long ones, Lev was discharged home only to be re-admitted with an infection a short time later for two additional weeks.  Lev has also had to undergo multiple surgeries to place a tube in his kidney to help preserve its function. He will ultimately need major surgery to try and repair his kidney; however, due to his severe lung disease they are still waiting for him to be strong enough to undergo  this next operation. Although every specialist says that Lev is a “miracle”, and they cannot believe his wonderful progress, their little lion still has a long road ahead of him.

Due to Lev’s lung disease and the high risks involved with COVID, Hillary has  been unable to return to work. She spends her days driving Lev to doctors appointment in Philadelphia and focusing on his therapy while also taking care of Liam. Having to pay out of pocket for much of Lev’s care has been particularly difficult on Hillary and Tyler. We are trying to help in whatever way we can in hopes of alleviating some of their stress and giving them the opportunity to care for their sweet little boy.  Thank you so much for sharing in Lev’s  journey and your continued prayers,  with your help we know Hillary and Tyler will have the opportunity to provide Lev with the care he needs to grow into the strong and healthy warrior we know that he is.
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Donations 

  • Joseph Brunner
    • $11
    • 11 mos
  • Anonymous
    • $100
    • 3 yrs
  • Joseph Patterson
    • $150
    • 4 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $100
    • 4 yrs
  • Katherine Gildea
    • $25
    • 4 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Missy Merritt
Organizer
Rutherfordton, NC
Hillary Raab
Beneficiary

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