Mateo; Tiny but Mighty
I'd like to introduce you to my nephew Mateo Roman Hogan. On July 17th, weighing just over 4lbs, Mateo made an unexpected early entrance into this world. HIs parents, Stephanie and Tony, and sister AwBrie, were excited to meet him, but already knew he had a long road ahead.
Not only was Mateo 7 weeks early, but just days prior to his birth Stephanie and Tony learned that he would have to undergo emergency surgery as soon as he was born due to a blockage in his bowel.
Shortly after his unexpected early arrival, Mateo was taken from Winchester hospital to the University of Virginia Medical Center to be evaluated. Unfortunately Stephanie was unable to join him right away, as she was recovering from an emergency C-Section, So Tony followed Mateo to the hospital, over three hours from their home in Romney.
Soon after his arrival at the hospital Mateo was diagnosed with Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), and Esophageal Atresia (EA). TEF is an abnormal connection between the esophagus (the tube that connects throat to the stomach) and the trachea (the tube connecting the throat to the windpipe and lungs), because of this, swallowed liquids or foods can be aspirated (inhaled) into his lungs. EA is a rare birth defect in which a baby is born without part of their esophagus. Although the exact cause of this condition is unknown, there are some genetic components, and many babies have additional birth defects. In Mateo's case he also was born with Duodenal atresia, which results in a condition in which the first part of the small bowel has not developed properly, and Crossed Renal Ectopia, which means both his kidneys are on the same side.
All this being said, there is good news! All of these conditions can be treated with surgery!
So on his third precious day of life Mateo under went his first surgery to correct his trachea and esophagus. It was a long a grueling day for Stephanie, Tony, Awbrie, their friends and family, and especially the doctors, and he made it through like a champ!!
Mateo has been in the NICU at the University of Virginia since July 17th. In that time he's had another surgery to correct his Duodenal atresia, and once again he came through that with flying colors!
During this time, Stephanie and Tony have been staying at the Ronald McDonald House, which has been a blessing. Tony was on paternity leave for several weeks, and was able to get an extension on his leave, however that has been unpaid.
Mateo will continue to be in the NICU, recovering from his surgeries for at least another couple of weeks. Once he is able to successfully take in nutrition by mouth, they hope to have him transferred to a hospital closer to home.
As the days march on Stephanie and Tony are starting to feel the weight of living expenses, missed wages, and incoming doctor bills.
We respectfully request some financial assistance from friends and family, in order to allow Stephanie to stay with her baby, and alleviate some of the stress and anxiety of Mateo's continued medical expenses.
Thank you, for your help, your thoughts, and your prayers.