Please Help Support Ben & Jenna with Hunter's NICU Journey

On April 1st, 2025 Ben and Jenna's world was turned upside down. Jenna suffered a pregnancy complication that only 1% of pregnant mothers experience. Jenna was experiencing a placental abruption, an incredibly time sensitive emergency. Due to her following her instincts and responding as fast as possible they were able to call an ambulance and was rushed into a c-section to save her and her baby's life. There was no time to get Jenna to a hospital with a NICU capable of caring for such a premature baby. The Wausau NICU team was rushed to St. Michaels Hospital to be there for his delivery. It then turned even more emergent and the hospital team had to deliver him before the NICU team arrived. They then held the responsibility of keeping this little guy stable as the NICU team drove through Tuesday night's snowstorm.

Little Hunter Benjamin Smiley was delivered at only 28 weeks gestation as what they are calling him, a micro preemie. He weighed only 2lbs 12 oz at birth. Within the hour he was intubated and stabilized for transport. Hunter was then taken to Wausau NICU just as momma was coming out of anesthesia which even though so necessary, felt so incredibly heartbreaking.

As the ambulance drove through white out conditions, Ben followed close behind. The MedVac team expressed their concern that they could not (as they put it) lights and sirens at a fast speed because of the weather. They drove 35 miles an hour at top speed to get this little guy to the NICU. Ben said it was such a sigh of relief as he made his way into the NICU and under the care of those that are experts with babies this small. Ben also was heartbroken knowing that the love of his life and Hunter's momma was separated from them.

Jenna's recovery required her a blood transfusion because of her blood loss and as any c-section momma knows, a longer get back to normal herself. Finally on Thursday night Jenna was discharged and made her way to be her beautiful baby boy. Ben and Jenna got to be together by Hunter's side.

Hunter will be in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) in Wausau until he has reached the milestones required for him to come home. They are planning on him being there until his due date, June 19th. 12 weeks in the NICU. He has a long road ahead of him and so many complications that can come up as he gets through these crucial first weeks. The NICU team goes over with Ben & Jenna, what his care entails and what the plan of action will be at every turn. They are allowed to sleep in his NICU room and stay by his side and also be there for all the tests and treatments administered.

Hunter is so strong already, making strides the first days. He was taken off the ventilator already on Wednesday night requiring a bubble CPAP with oxygen. He has a central line through his umbilical to administer the IV medication and fluids. Hunter also has a feeding tube in which he can receive Jenna's breastmilk and any nutrition supplements he needs. Doctors said it's to be expected that he has his good days and his bad days. His NICU journey is going to be a roller-coaster. He is so small, but he is such a fighter.

Ben and Jenna talk to him, read to him, hold his hands and already help with diaper changes. He is so loved. Their presence in the room and hearing their voices is so beneficial to Hunter's care. As is having Ben and Jenna there to help make decisions on his care.

We are doing this to raise funds because of the financial impact this makes to Ben and Jenna. They both want to be able to spend as much time with Hunter as they can, putting their ability to work aside. FLMA can be used to make it capable for them to be by his side, but that is still unpaid leave. As we all know, bills keep coming and they pile up fast. We want to raise money to help take the financial weight off of Ben and Jenna's life right now so that they can just concentrate on Hunter's needs.

We are asking our family, our friends, and our community for all the help we can get. They say it takes a village and Hunter's village is strong. Our strength to lift them up as they navigate this will help the three of them immensely. Anything helps and if we join together we can help hold them as they are on this journey, experiencing this roller-coaster.

Please also pray for Hunter Benjamin Smiley in his care as he grows and for Ben & Jenna as they deal with all that comes with being NICU parents.

Much love to all! The Smiley & Utecht families can't thank you enough!