Support Noah in His HIE Journey

Noah is my first and only grandchild, born to my son, Nick and his girlfriend, Gracie. His story has been shared with eloquence and bravery on Facebook by his mommy, who is also his primary caretaker. Given Noah's needs, this is quite a job. My version of his story doesn't do hers justice, but I'll do my best. Noah was born 3 weeks early, which wouldn't normally be an issue. However, Noah lacked proper and full development due to a failing placenta. In addition, he has multiple congenital abnormalities. Prior to his release from the NICU (after a difficult 2 months), Noah had surgery to ligate a vascular ring that encircled his trachea, and occluded 70% of his airway. He has an atrial septal defect (hole in his heart), which combined with his underdeveloped lungs, requires him to be on nasal oxygen 24/7.  Noah's cleft palate requires gastric feeding through a port in his stomach. We are now allowed to let him taste food, though, which is fun! Noah's vision is impaired partially due to retinal weakness and unknown brain/eye communication, and has significant hearing loss.  He will need glasses soon and requires hearing aids, with possible cochlear implants down the road. At birth, Noah was hypoxic. Due to this complication during labor and delivery, he was diagnosed with moderate to severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), which is damage to the brain as a result of oxygen deprivation. Because of this condition, he requires medication to control seizures. Recently, it was confirmed that Noah will most likely continue to struggle with the effects of cerebral palsy. He currently has developmental delays, which could result in permanent disabilities. Weekly PT appointments and daily at-home therapy is helping. In order to give him the best chance, specialized equipment is needed.

The love and devotion exhibited by Nick and Gracie for Noah is amazing. They are his most diligent advocates, and demand nothing less than the best care from his medical team. Gracie devotes 100% of her time and energy taking care of Noah and researching his conditions, so she can better care for him. In doing this, she is currently unable to work. Nick works full time, and does his best to provide for them, but his income doesn't fully cover monthly expenses. The lack of income is taking its toll on them financially and emotionally, as it's added to their worries about Noah's future.

I would love nothing more than to help them meet their goals, but I am in my own tight spot. I am able to provide a roof, but not much more. I am asking for help on behalf of my (now 3) children. We are already eternally grateful for the outpouring of love and emotional support we have received from family, friends, and coworkers. Any and all help will always be greatly appreciated...monetary or otherwise.

Thank You, from the bottom of ours hearts, for reading and caring about Noah!