Rally for Rowan, Gretta and John Lawton

Early morning on December 29th, 2022 Gretta woke up with some pressure and cramping. Being only 23 weeks pregnant that very morning, it didn't cross her mind that she may be in early labor. After a little while, that pressure and cramping worsened and John took her to Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire. Once they arrived to the hospital, Gretta and John were told their son was coming and there was no way of stopping that. The NICU Flight Team from Children's Minnesota Hospital - St Paul was contacted and Gretta was taken for an emergency C-section. As if deciding to come 17 weeks early wasn’t enough of a surprise, after performing the C-section Rowan decided to instead, be born vaginally, breach, and en caul (still inside his fully intact amniotic sac). Rowan Robert Lawton was born at 6:24am weighing 1lb 2oz and was 11” long and has continued to be a determined, dramatic and strong little fighter ever since!

By the grace of God, the NICU team had arrive within seconds of Rowan being delivered and they were able to care for Rowan the moment he was born. Gretta’s condition remained stable and her and John were able to lay their eyes on their sweet son and touch his tiny little hands before he was flown to the NICU at Children’s Minnesota Hospital.

Rowan’s tiny, underdeveloped, body needs lots of extra assistance while he continues to grow and get stronger. Rowan has proven to be quite the fighter despite his tiny size and has already overcome some pretty huge obstacles (like getting his chest tube removed on Jan 7th). Amongst other expected challenges micro-preemies like him face, he is currently intubated, has two brain bleeds that his medical team is closely monitoring and is receiving medications to help support his blood pressure and heart.

As anyone would expect, John, Gretta and Rowan have a long journey ahead of them. My hope with this fundraiser is to rally together the support of our awesome community to help relieve some financial burden such as medical expenses, lost income, transportation, hotel stays, etc.

Additionally, we ask for prayers for Rowan, Gretta, John and the medical professionals as they all navigate this NICU journey. We know God is at work and is able.

Updates on Rowan’s condition can be found through a private Facebook group. Please reach out to Mel Hunt or Angela Fellenz to be added.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10