Oakleys Journey Home

Hello, my name is Tia Tasca and I am Graziella’s older sister. First and foremost, I would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to the meal train and for all the support/prayers for baby Oakley. I don’t think anyone expected that this journey would still be ongoing today.

On January 17 Graziella went into emergency preterm labor & Oakley was born 11 weeks premature. Mitch and Graziella knew that a NICU stay would be inevitable but never expected this journey. Born at just over 3 pounds, Oakley has experienced many ups and downs in her life. She has been in the NICU for 94 days!! Our little fighter has been through so much already but last week was one of the hardest weeks yet. Oakley got very sick and was thought to has RSV, different strains of the flu or even possibly meningitis. She had to endure a spinal tap to rule that out as well as many other tests. She ended up testing positive for the flu and had to endure so much throughout the week. She had to be put back on oxygen as well as given IV fluids and was moved back to a more high-risk pod (although she has quite a few nurse friends there, so she didn’t mind). Within the last few days, she has really improved and has been showing signs that she is finally on the mend. She is now back on track to learn how to eat on her own and hopefully get her feeding tube out soon. Currently Oakley does not have a discharge date, but we are hopeful it is sooner rather than later. Graziella wanted me to make sure that I let everyone know throughout all of this, Oakley has remained a very happy little baby full of smiles for mom and dad and all of her medical team.

As you can imagine, my sister and brother-in-law have had to face many unexpected challenges over the last 94 days! Graziella has been unable to work during this time and Mitch has been working but, on call in case something happens and one of them need to get to the hospital. Mia cannot visit due to hospital rules (kids must be over the age of 13). With a 35-minute drive each way, they have taken on many new expenses & have driven over 4,000 miles going back and forth to the hospital since she was born. Between filling up for gas 2X a week, parking, takeout/groceries, the expenses have added up. I know they are both tired and if this could help them even a little bit, it’s worth it.

Their sense of normalcy has been disrupted but they continue without a thought for both of their girls. The reason that I have created this go fund me is because I have watched how hard this has been on them and while my family as well as Mitch’ family help any way we can, I want to further help ease the financial burden. There are always unexpected costs with having a baby but if we can help them in any way, I know it would be more than appreciated. You don’t realize the toll it takes on you mentally and physically until you are in it. Thankfully insurance will cover most of Oakley’s’ medical expenses, but recently Graziella found out that a large portion of her expenses are not covered which just adds to the stress of the situation.

I sincerely appreciate that you have taken the time to read their story and I know that they will be so grateful for any contribution you may be willing to make.

Thank You

Tia