Hello, my name is Hannah and I am starting a fundraiser for my dear friends Mary (Rix) and Eric Benton. Their lives have drastically changed. Please see Mary’s post below for full details and updates on Mila!

If you wish to donate, it will help pay for meals, gas driving back and forth from Mankato to Mayo Rochester, medical expenses, and overall to help lessen stress while they have a lengthy NICU journey that will likely extend through the summer and years to come.

Mila continues to struggle with the ongoing need for ventilator supports due to underdeveloped lungs. Prolonged ventilation will lead to additional medical issues for her future that are very unknown at this time. Prayers for Mila’s lungs and comfort are much appreciated.

Mary’s Facebook post from 3/21/22-

We welcomed our babygirl, Mila Lee Benton into this world on 3/5/23 at 24 weeks gestation. Mila (mee-la) couldn't wait to be on the outside any longer. Weighing just 1lb 7oz. She is being well cared for at Mayo Clinic Rochester NICU and will be there for an extended period of time to allow her to grow. We ask for prayers as she continues to be critical, needing a lot of support.

We also had to say goodbye to her twin sister Mara Audrey Benton. She was perfect in every way imaginable and our hearts break as we try to cope with the loss of our child. It is truly devastating losing our Mara and she will forever be a part of our family.

I am healing well and spend most of my time with Mila in her room. Eric has been splitting his time between Rochester and Mankato with Cameran and Elsie. We have a room at the Ronald McDonald house that we are very grateful for. We appreciate all the messages, thoughts, and prayers for our family and continued prayers for little Mila.