In Remembrance of Allegra Grace
Donation protected
Certainly, you know couples who struggle with fertility. Lori and Nick Fazio are a couple who has beeen struggling for over eight long years to have a child. After many assisted attempts, Lori and Nick finally conceived, but suffered the first of several devastating losses last year, when she was 16 weeks pregnant. Lori then endured IVF, and she became pregnant with triplets, who were to be due this coming March. They lost the first of three early on, after 6 weeks of pregnancy. The second, they lost at 22 weeks.
At this point, Lori was put into the hospital on strict bedrest, and the last of the three was born at 24 weeks. A beautiful girl! Allegra Grace Fazio. Though viable at 24 weeks, certainly these little tiny babies have an up-hill battle. And it has been a roller coaster, as all who are close to the family can attest. Some days good...some terrible. Allegra underwent open heart surgery within the first couple of weeks of life, and surgery was successful. She was taking two steps forward and one step back for a short time. Her meds would be decreased, vent settings changed, less tubes over the weeks. Her parents would hold her, if only for a couple minutes at a time. She was starting to take feedings. Things were generally looking positive. She had her picture taken with Santa in the NICU.
A few days ago, Allegra began to exhibit some concerning signs. She was diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis, and required immediate surgery. It was discovered that her intestines were, in fact, severely deteriorated, and that she was suffering from a severe systemic infection as a result. Her short, 6-week life came to an end this morning, and she is now an angel in heaven, watching over her parents, who are absolutely devastated and lost without her.
The cost, both emotional and financial, to Lori and Nick thus far has been staggering. Lori has been unable to maintain a job with her medical needs. Nick is an electrician. The cost for IVF alone has been over $40,000, not covered by insurance. Lori's hospital stay for several weeks, and Allegra's birth, surgeries, and hospital stay are all only partially covered by insurance, with copays mounting into several thousands of dollars (can't begin to estimate at this time). And now there will be funeral expenses. Looking forward, if Lori and Nick choose to continue in their pursuit of parenthood, the hope is that a lack of financial resources won't hinder them.
The grief and suffering this family continues to go through is too much to endure, but to then face the financial devastation, as well....unimaginable. Please strongly consider a donation...and many prayers. I know they will be BEYOND grateful for anything they receive.
At this point, Lori was put into the hospital on strict bedrest, and the last of the three was born at 24 weeks. A beautiful girl! Allegra Grace Fazio. Though viable at 24 weeks, certainly these little tiny babies have an up-hill battle. And it has been a roller coaster, as all who are close to the family can attest. Some days good...some terrible. Allegra underwent open heart surgery within the first couple of weeks of life, and surgery was successful. She was taking two steps forward and one step back for a short time. Her meds would be decreased, vent settings changed, less tubes over the weeks. Her parents would hold her, if only for a couple minutes at a time. She was starting to take feedings. Things were generally looking positive. She had her picture taken with Santa in the NICU.
A few days ago, Allegra began to exhibit some concerning signs. She was diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis, and required immediate surgery. It was discovered that her intestines were, in fact, severely deteriorated, and that she was suffering from a severe systemic infection as a result. Her short, 6-week life came to an end this morning, and she is now an angel in heaven, watching over her parents, who are absolutely devastated and lost without her.
The cost, both emotional and financial, to Lori and Nick thus far has been staggering. Lori has been unable to maintain a job with her medical needs. Nick is an electrician. The cost for IVF alone has been over $40,000, not covered by insurance. Lori's hospital stay for several weeks, and Allegra's birth, surgeries, and hospital stay are all only partially covered by insurance, with copays mounting into several thousands of dollars (can't begin to estimate at this time). And now there will be funeral expenses. Looking forward, if Lori and Nick choose to continue in their pursuit of parenthood, the hope is that a lack of financial resources won't hinder them.
The grief and suffering this family continues to go through is too much to endure, but to then face the financial devastation, as well....unimaginable. Please strongly consider a donation...and many prayers. I know they will be BEYOND grateful for anything they receive.
Organizer and beneficiary
Renee Herring Winckler
Organizer
Glen Allen, VA
Lori and Nick Fazio
Beneficiary