Medical Expense Relief for Elijah Taylor

At their 20-week ultrasound, Annie and Gabe were told that Elijah had Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction (UPJ).  Even after seeing multiple specialists, the extent of Elijah’s condition was not clear but they knew he would possibly have corrective surgery after birth. At one day old, an ultrasound showed the condition was worse than they anticipated, Elijah’s urethra had an obstruction that was blocking his bladder from emptying which caused it to reflux into his kidneys. This resulted in low kidney function and the surgery was needed to correct the blockage. Elijah’s surgery went well and the doctors were happy with the way it turned out, however, Elijah threw everyone for a loop when he didn’t wake up. The success of the surgery was quickly overshadowed when his health took a drastic turn. The catheter he had before surgery, caused a urinary tract infection, which ultimately lead to sepsis. At which point, Elijah was placed on life support for nearly two weeks. Results from blood tests showed remarkably low levels of platelets and white- and red blood cells and he needed immediate blood transfusions which were ongoing for two weeks. His doctors believed that because of the infection he developed Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), essentially making it impossible for his heart to bring oxygen to his lungs. Consequently, over the course of the next few days, he was pumped with IV fluids in order to sustain his nutrients and get oxygen to his organs. And was too weak to test for meningitis, however, the doctors found it best to treat the infection as if it were. Luckily, he plateaued for a few days where he was quite literally able to catch his breath.
 
The team of doctors and nurses at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans have been relentless in caring for Elijah, they have spent nights with him, cried with Annie and Gabe (and reminded them to go eat), and continue to spend countless hours figuring everything out. The fight within Elijah and his care team have driven so much healing. Currently, he’s off the ventilator, feeding tubes, and nitric. And his bacteria cultures continue to come back negative. Basically, he is in cruise control and well on his way to finally going home and meeting his big brother, Levi! With his rocky start, his future consists of ongoing care from a team of infectious disease specialists, urologists, respiratory, occupational, and physical therapists.
 
Annie and Gabe braced themselves for the possibility of Elijah’s surgery, but naturally, no one expected this outcome. Their strength has undoubtedly been fueled by all the love, prayers, and support they have received from friends and family! However, the financial responsibility they are facing is substantial, even with health insurance. All contributions are greatly appreciated and will help to alleviate some of the medical expenses they have incurred during Elijah’s care. All in hopes that this helps them focus on healing, loving, and growing as a family.