Rubi Flores - Gastroschisis MedFund

Our dear friends, Pablo and Lily Flores got married just over two years ago. Sweet Robin came to add joy to their lives last year, so when Lily got pregnant for the second time they were really excited to know the sex of their baby. They had an appointment for the ultrasound and when the doctor said, “It’s a girl” they were so happy for Robin who would have a little sister to play with. But then the doctor also informed them that the baby had Gastroschisis.

Gastroschisis is a birth defect of the abdominal wall which develops during pregnancy. The frequency is 4 for every 10,000 births. It happens when the baby’s intestines are pushed through a hole next to the belly button and the bowels protrude outside the baby’s body. Because they are not covered by a protective sac, exposure to the amniotic fluid irritates the intestines, causing them to shorten, twist, or swell.

This was scary news for this young couple, so Pablo and Lily had many appointments through her pregnancy to carefully monitor this new baby and to learn about her condition.

Rubi Sonia Flores was born on August 15, 2017 at the University of Utah Hospital. Shortly after her birth, Rubi was transferred to the Neonatal ICU at Primary’s Children Hospital.

A procedure was done to place the abdominal organs inside Rubi’s body. Two days later, a surgery was performed to repair the hole in the abdominal wall. Even after the repair, babies with Gastroschisis often have problems nursing and eating, so Rubi needs to spend more time at the NICU. Reacquiring the functions of the gastrointestinal tract and the ability to tolerate feedings are the main factors that determine the length of the baby’s stay in the hospital.

Rubi is a warrior and has been doing very well during her first week of life on earth. She is a cute angel with lots of dark hair, fighting to endure through this trial. Pablo and Liliana are taking care of both of their amazing daughters -this little angel and Rubi’s older sister Robin- while working and studying. They travel every day to visit Rubi at the hospital, although they can only see her one at a time because the NICU is a restricted area. Robin is not allowed to see her baby sister yet because of age restrictions.

Medical insurance will not cover their bills until they pay the deductible for Rubi’s hospital stay. They have tried every traditional financial aid route without any success.

When I asked how I could help them, they explained their financial concerns. This is the reason why I am asking for your help. Please donate any amount to ease the financial weight Pablo and Lily are going through. At this time they are focusing on Rubi’s recovery. She needs to learn to eat and tolerate food before she can be released. Because her bowels are thickened, it will require time for her body to adjust to having them inside.

As you can understand this will be a difficult journey and a very physical, emotional, and financially exhausting one for this young family. Any assistance is truly and greatly appreciated. If donating is not an option for you, please share this on your social media accounts.

If donation is not an option for you, we'll truly appreciate if you share this message on your social media accounts.

Thanks for your kind support. With your help their burden will be lighter as they continue to raise their lovely family. ♥