Medical needs for the Gilliam Family
Donation protected
Gemma Grace Gillam was born on 10/21/20 at 30 weeks gestation by an emergency cesarean section. She weighed 3lbs 2oz at birth. Gladys and PJ were made aware, from prenatal ultrasounds at 20 weeks, that Gemma had a heart defect called atrioventricular canal defect, which would require her to have open-heart surgery as an infant. On the day of Gemma's birth, Gladys and the medical staff hadn't felt Gemma move all day, so because of her heart condition and Gladys’ accelerated high blood pressure (preeclampsia), they wanted to deliver Gemma right away to make sure that she was safe.
As you can imagine this whirlwind of events happened suddenly, but thankfully PJ arrived in time to be by Gladys’ side before she was rushed into OR. When they heard Gemma's first cries, Gladys, PJ, and the birthing staff were all extremely relieved that both momma and baby were doing alright. In addition, they all knew Gemma would continue to need plenty of medical support and NICU time, both because she had been born prematurely and because of her heart condition.
Since Gemma's birth, Gladys and PJ have been navigating recovery from the c-section surgery, postpartum depression, taking care of the needs of their two older girls, supporting them in virtual school and home-based preschool during COVID19, work responsibilities, and making daily trips to the hospital to spend time with her. Now because of the surge in COVID19 numbers, only one of them is allowed to visit Gemma at a time. This has added to the emotional and physical load of having their daughters split between two locations.
As a community, let's come together to support these loving and devoted parents so that they can be there to address the needs of their three daughters with less financial stress and strain weighing on them at this extremely challenging time. With added medical expenses ($8K and rising), travel costs, and other incidentals already incurred, this blessing will undoubtedly come at the perfect time to support this family. They are extremely grateful for all the heartfelt gifts and regards they receive and humbly request that you please continue to keep them in your prayers.
As you can imagine this whirlwind of events happened suddenly, but thankfully PJ arrived in time to be by Gladys’ side before she was rushed into OR. When they heard Gemma's first cries, Gladys, PJ, and the birthing staff were all extremely relieved that both momma and baby were doing alright. In addition, they all knew Gemma would continue to need plenty of medical support and NICU time, both because she had been born prematurely and because of her heart condition.
Since Gemma's birth, Gladys and PJ have been navigating recovery from the c-section surgery, postpartum depression, taking care of the needs of their two older girls, supporting them in virtual school and home-based preschool during COVID19, work responsibilities, and making daily trips to the hospital to spend time with her. Now because of the surge in COVID19 numbers, only one of them is allowed to visit Gemma at a time. This has added to the emotional and physical load of having their daughters split between two locations.
As a community, let's come together to support these loving and devoted parents so that they can be there to address the needs of their three daughters with less financial stress and strain weighing on them at this extremely challenging time. With added medical expenses ($8K and rising), travel costs, and other incidentals already incurred, this blessing will undoubtedly come at the perfect time to support this family. They are extremely grateful for all the heartfelt gifts and regards they receive and humbly request that you please continue to keep them in your prayers.
Organizer and beneficiary
Lauren Redmond
Organizer
Aberdeen, MD
Gladys Gillam
Beneficiary