Support Em, Gary, and baby Remy through their NICU journey

Hello friends, family, co-workers, and kind strangers,

We are raising money to support Em (mom) and Gary (dad) as they navigate a long NICU journey for their baby, Remy Lynn Sylvester, who was born very prematurely at 25 weeks. She arrived on June 2nd at 4:37 PM at Alta Bates Medical Center in Berkeley, California, following an emergency C-section.

Em was admitted to the hospital in Modesto on Tuesday, May 28th, due to concerning symptoms of preeclampsia that appeared in her lab work. After being diagnosed with a severe case of preeclampsia, she was transferred to Alta Bates Medical Center.

After six long nights in the antepartum unit, doing everything possible to keep Remy in the womb, Em's symptoms became so severe that her life was at risk. The only way to ensure her safety was to deliver the baby. Thankfully, the delivery team in the OR safely brought Remy into this world and ensured Em's safe return to her family.

Fast forward to Remy being two days old. Mom is healing well, and Remy is in the NICU, getting settled into incubator life and preparing for a long three-month fight for her life. She has been hitting most of her milestones so far, while showing us her, feisty personality, courageous spirit, and amazingly long legs.

Em and Gary are facing an incredibly challenging journey ahead, filled with emotional, physical, and logistical hurdles. Living over an hour away from the NICU, they have to contend with the notorious Bay Area traffic, which adds significant stress to caring for a premature baby and handling potential medical emergencies. To ensure they can provide the best care for Remy, they plan to rent a place as close to the hospital as possible. This is where their community's support becomes crucial. Over the next three months, they will need our collective help to create the best environment for Remy's care and recovery.

In addition to housing, Em and Gary are facing uncertain needs for baby supplies and medical expenses due to Remy's early arrival and her extended stay in the NICU. Therefore, instead of a baby shower, we are asking for any small donation you can make. Your support will allow them to concentrate on healing from this trauma and preparing for life when Remy is discharged from the NICU.

Once the family is settled in their home in Lathrop, and Melvin has had the chance to meet his little sister, we will all celebrate their beautiful new addition and honour Em and Gary for bringing Remy Lynn Sylvester into this world safely.

Thank you for your support and generosity. ❤️

-Kathleen (Em’s sister)