Molly's Medical Fund
Donation protected
Our daughter, Molly Amelia Lowder, was born on August 23rd, 2017. Within hours of her delivery, Molly began to exhibit seizure-like activity and was diagnosed with severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), polycythemia (elevated red blood cell count), and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). These symptoms were initially attributed to the wrapping of the umbilical cord around her neck in the womb (nuchal cord) and were expected to resolve within hours with IV fluids.
Although the thrombocytopenia resolved, Molly's general condition continued to deteriorate necessitating her transfer to the NICU at NorthEast Medical Center in Concord, NC.

There, a series of additional blood tests and neurological assessments failed to provide a definitive diagnosis.

After two weeks of diligent work by the neonatologists and nurses at NorthEast Medical Center and countless additional tests and procedures, Molly was diagnosed with Panhypopituitarism. An MRI revealed that, in her specific case, she was born without a pituitary gland.
The pituitary is a small gland attached to the base of the brain that is responsible for the production of pituitary hormones. These hormones help regulate kidney and adrenal function, the growth of muscle and bone, guide the onset of puberty and sexual maturity, regulate thyroid function, and much more.
Click HERE to learn more about hypopituitarism.
Thankfully Molly's condition is treatable and she is responding well to her initial hormone therapies. However, this is a life-long disorder that will require daily hormone replacement medication (both oral and injection) and frequent visits to the endocrinologist and GI specialist.
To date (September 24th, 2017), Molly has spent 32 days in the hospital (31 in intensive care). She has been transported twice (Stanly to NorthEast and NorthEast to Levine Children's Hospital) and is recovering from her first surgery (insertion of a Gastrostomy Tube for feeding).

Funds raised through this GoFundMe will be applied directly to the medical expenses accumulated through the first month of Molly's life. To date we have received only one bill, a $7,576.43 charge for the medical transport of Molly from Stanly to NorthEast Medical Center. This page will be updated as the total cost of Molly's initial care becomes clear.
Molly is the youngest of five children. Her mother and I have been by her side every day for more than a month, living in hospitals and at the Charlotte Ronald McDonald House, researching her disorder, and advocating for her best possible care. In spite of the tremendous support we have received from family, friends, and coworkers and having employer provided health insurance, we are facing near certain bankruptcy.
How you can help:
(1) Please GIVE what you can. No donation is too small.
(2) If you can not give, please SHARE this post with your family, friends, congregations, etc.
With gratitude,
Molly, Penelope, Elijah, Zachary, Haley, Laura, and Michael











Although the thrombocytopenia resolved, Molly's general condition continued to deteriorate necessitating her transfer to the NICU at NorthEast Medical Center in Concord, NC.
There, a series of additional blood tests and neurological assessments failed to provide a definitive diagnosis.
After two weeks of diligent work by the neonatologists and nurses at NorthEast Medical Center and countless additional tests and procedures, Molly was diagnosed with Panhypopituitarism. An MRI revealed that, in her specific case, she was born without a pituitary gland.
The pituitary is a small gland attached to the base of the brain that is responsible for the production of pituitary hormones. These hormones help regulate kidney and adrenal function, the growth of muscle and bone, guide the onset of puberty and sexual maturity, regulate thyroid function, and much more.
Click HERE to learn more about hypopituitarism.
Thankfully Molly's condition is treatable and she is responding well to her initial hormone therapies. However, this is a life-long disorder that will require daily hormone replacement medication (both oral and injection) and frequent visits to the endocrinologist and GI specialist.
To date (September 24th, 2017), Molly has spent 32 days in the hospital (31 in intensive care). She has been transported twice (Stanly to NorthEast and NorthEast to Levine Children's Hospital) and is recovering from her first surgery (insertion of a Gastrostomy Tube for feeding).
Funds raised through this GoFundMe will be applied directly to the medical expenses accumulated through the first month of Molly's life. To date we have received only one bill, a $7,576.43 charge for the medical transport of Molly from Stanly to NorthEast Medical Center. This page will be updated as the total cost of Molly's initial care becomes clear.
Molly is the youngest of five children. Her mother and I have been by her side every day for more than a month, living in hospitals and at the Charlotte Ronald McDonald House, researching her disorder, and advocating for her best possible care. In spite of the tremendous support we have received from family, friends, and coworkers and having employer provided health insurance, we are facing near certain bankruptcy.
How you can help:
(1) Please GIVE what you can. No donation is too small.
(2) If you can not give, please SHARE this post with your family, friends, congregations, etc.
With gratitude,
Molly, Penelope, Elijah, Zachary, Haley, Laura, and Michael
Organizer
Michael Lowder
Organizer
Albemarle, NC
