Support Baby Joel's Fight

On April 3, 2026, our family welcomed my perfect nephew, Joel Kevin Baker, into the world at St. Peter’s Hospital. He is the third child of my younger brother Tanner and my sister-in-law Kayla. What should have been a time of celebration quickly turned into every parent's worst nightmare when doctors discovered Joel was born with a Diaphragmatic Hernia immediately after delivery. This means that his intestines were pushed into his chest cavity, causing his lungs to be unable to grow and work properly.

Joel was rushed by ambulance to the Albany Medical Center NICU, where he underwent emergency surgery on Easter Sunday.

We were all praying for a smooth recovery, and for a few days, it seemed like he was winning the battle.

However, five days later, things took a critical turn. Doctors realized the right side of Joel’s heart wasn’t pumping enough blood to his lungs, causing his oxygen levels to plummet.

In a race against time, Joel was airlifted by helicopter to the Boston Children’s Hospital Critical Intensive Care Unit. Upon arrival, he required immediate life-saving measures, including chest compressions and CPR.

Joel is now fighting for his life on an ECMO machine (life support). This machine is doing the work for his heart and lungs, giving his tiny body the chance to rest, heal, and hopefully grow stronger.

Tanner and Kayla have been told they will likely be living in Boston for several months to be by Joel’s side. As you can imagine, the financial burden of being away from home, travel costs, meals, and mounting medical bills—all while caring for their two other children—is overwhelming.

Tanner is a hardworking employee for Southwest Airlines, and he is also the sole provider for his household. He is currently out on leave to be with his wife and son, but the bills unfortunately have not stopped coming.

While they are living out of a hospital in Boston, they still have:

• Rent and utilities for their home back in New York.

• Two young children (ages 3 and 4) who need care and stability during this chaotic time.

• Travel and meal costs associated with living in a different state for months.

• Mounting medical expenses for Joel’s specialized care.

Tanner and Kayla are so young to be carrying a weight this heavy.

We want to ensure that when Joel is finally strong enough to come home, they still have a home to go back to.

Any donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward their rent in NY, their daily survival in Boston, and medical bills. If you cannot give financially, please share this story and keep Joel, Tanner, Kayla, and their two older children in your prayers.

Thank you for supporting our little warrior and his family.