Hi, my name is Michelle, and I’m fundraising on behalf of my sister Melissa and her husband Alex. After 13 heartbreaking years of infertility and loss, they are finally expecting their miracle baby girl, due around August 1st.

Unfortunately, things have taken a very serious turn.

Melissa has been struggling with high blood pressure throughout her pregnancy, and this past weekend, it skyrocketed to dangerously high levels. She was rushed to the ER and then transported by ambulance to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, where doctors worked quickly to prevent seizures or a stroke. She was placed on IV medications and magnesium while they monitored both her and the baby closely.

At just 28 weeks, delivering now would mean a long NICU stay, so the medical team is doing everything they can to keep baby safely growing inside for a few more weeks. The goal is to make it to at least 34 weeks—but there are no guarantees.

After one failed attempt to send her home (which led to another terrifying BP spike and ER visit), the doctors have now decided Melissa needs to remain hospitalized in Rochester indefinitely—possibly until delivery, though it is possible that with a positive turn, she could be discharged again.

This sudden turn has left them facing many unexpected expenses. Melissa is now using all the sick leave she had saved for maternity leave, and Alex is also using his time off and FMLA so he can be by her side, which cuts into the parental leave they had planned, and cuts their income. They’re also dealing with added travel, food, and other costs while preparing for a likely premature baby—without the chance to finish baby prep or have their scheduled shower.

Melissa is a dedicated teacher who misses her students deeply and is heartbroken to possibly miss the end of the school year. She and Alex are doing everything in their power to stay strong, but they truly need a village around them right now.

If you’re able to donate, even a little, it will go toward medical costs, time off work, newborn needs, and easing the financial pressure so they can focus on what matters most: keeping baby girl safe.

Please share and keep them in your thoughts as they navigate these next few critical weeks.

With love and gratitude,

Michelle