Amber Talo, her husband Ivan, and their three year-old son Ollie, were elated to learn of Amber’s pregnancy from day one this past summer. However, in mid-September when undergoing her anatomy ultrasound, Amber was diagnosed with a chorioangioma, which is a tumor of the placenta. She was referred to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor at 24 weeks pregnant, where she anticipated undergoing extensive testing and planning for the birth and safety of their baby boy, yet on an outpatient basis, and surely to be able to return home afterward. At those appointments on October 16th, 2024, Amber was immediately admitted to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital for extensive monitoring and additional testing. Not only was the chorioangioma confirmed, it was also found that there is restricted blood flow from the placenta and through the umbilical cord. This could lead to serious complications for both Amber and baby. Given the circumstances, it has been a day by day monitoring process to assess whether baby and Amber would both be safer and healthier continuing the pregnancy, or delivering the baby. At this point, Amber is going to be admitted or at least need to be monitored closely by U of M, for the foreseeable future. This is likely going to continue for the remainder of her pregnancy and after delivery for the baby.

As you can imagine, this unforeseen circumstance is extremely stressful, both emotionally and financially. Amber must live apart from Ivan and Ollie, causing significant financial hardship. As we all know, medical costs can multiply quickly with hospital stays, procedures and tests. If Amber is even able to transfer to outpatient monitoring, which is unknown, but likely for at least part of the pregnancy, she will need to stay within a close radius to the hospital, and will need to be accompanied 24/7 in case she goes into labor spontaneously or experiences any major symptoms while outside of the hospital. This will lead to significant additional expense for lodging, food, essentials and travel. As soon as baby Talo is born, they will likely be faced with a whole new set of challenges which could include a NICU stay and additional medical care in the coming months. The future is rather unknown until baby is born and the situation is further assessed as to his and Amber’s needs.

Many of you may know, but for those of you who are unfamiliar, Amber and Ivan have been pivotal members of the Marquette County community for years. Amber has organized and single handedly hosted multiple fundraising events for family, friends, UPAWS, and multiple other non-for-profit organizations in our community. She has donated hours of her time and has led efforts toward hosting highly successful events in our community, including the infamous “Cause for Paws” event. She does this because she cares about others and puts them first. It’s who she is and what their family stands for. Now it’s our turn to pay it forward, and give back to the very family who has been there for all of us.

I am writing this today on behalf of Amber, Ivan and Ollie’s loved ones asking a community to come together for someone who has gone above and beyond for others time and time again. Your assistance will help alleviate the additional financial burden that comes along with an uncertain future. Their focus should be on the health of Amber, baby and their long fight ahead. If you are unable to donate at this time please leave any words of encouragement or support for the Talo family.

Let’s rally behind the Talo family during this time and show them how much Yooper’s stick together!