Jamie and Gianna’s story – 13 years ago

Recap from the beginning... At some point between 18-28 weeks, there was an “intrauterine event.” Something had happened in utero – a stroke, the cord wrapped around the baby’s neck, an unknown trauma – and after that, the baby’s brain stopped developing. Although the baby continued to grow, her brain did not. When this beautiful baby girl was born, for a moment, everything stopped. She was here, she was alive, and she was perfect. Jamie and her new daughter, Gianna, shared a moment of undisrupted peace. Then… it was like “a whirlwind.”

Gianna was rushed to the NICU because doctors detected enlarged ventricles in her brain. Her first day on Earth was spent in a sterile hospital room, having an MRI. Although the ventricles weren’t so enlarged that Gianna needed a shunt, it became apparent through the scans that Gianna’s “intrauterine event” had caused significant damage. She had Periventricular Leukomalacia, which is characterized by the death of white matter in the brain. It would likely cause developmental delays, but exactly what this meant for Gianna, they weren’t yet sure.

During those days, and once we discovered Gianna would need a wheelchair, the organization called Chive Charities approved Jamie and family for a beautiful van with a complete conversion for the wheelchair. That was a miracle and blessing we have enjoyed for almost 10 years now. And we are forever grateful to Chive for their help.

Fast forward to today and the present…

10 years later as you can imagine, Gianna has grown into being a 13-year-old young lady and is growing leaps and bounds. The van has received much wear and tear and as a 2014 vehicle is in need of repairs.

As Jamie’s mother and Gianna’s Grandmother, I have had a first hand view of the journey they have been through. Jamie has to consider what would be the best thing going forward for another vehicle. She is looking at the growing needs of Gianna, and what type of transportation she will need long term for the next 10 to 15 years. My son who is a mechanic says Toyota is the best for longevity and mechanically sound and it is our hope to get a regular vehicle and then convert the front seat with a conversion valet seat for Gianna. It is a conversion seat that swings out of the car, to easily transition Gianna into the car. They are also transitioning from a wheelchair to a medical stroller which folds down when not in use. Because of the necessary vehicle conversion, it adds some cost to the purchase of the car. Due to current financial constraints that Jamie has as a single mother of a special needs child, we have prayerfully decided to do a GoFundMe to raise the funds for their next vehicle. Their finances are such at this time that they cannot afford a monthly payment on a vehicle. Therefore, we are presenting to you the cost of buying the vehicle and the cost of the conversion.

After getting a quote on a 2022 Toyota Rav 4, and a quote for the conversion and the fees associated with both, we are submitting for consideration and project goal to raise $3,300 (previously $54,162.00 and  $15,000 now $3,300 for the booster seat.) through this GoFundMe page.

We are taking a huge leap of faith and trusting the Lord to bring in what is needed to help get this vehicle or one like it. At the end of the fundraiser, we will assess what the final vehicle will be, depending on what has been raised. We trust God for what will be His provision and thank all of you for your consideration.

Thank you again for being Hands and Feet of Jesus to Jamie and Gianna.

With Love,

Mama Pat

****If donating, go fund me charges .30 cents per donation, and if you choose, you can add it to your donation amount, but is not required. ***

Luke 6:38 NKJV “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”