Support Blakely’s NICU Journey

An update from the parents, Tracey and Chasity:

On December 28th, 2024, we welcomed Blakely May to the world at 12:53 am, weighing 4 lbs 0.9 oz, and 17.32 inches.

For those who didn’t know, Blakely was diagnosed in utero with IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction) and RCDH (right congenital diaphragmatic hernia). This hernia allowed part of her liver and bowels to move into her chest, next to her heart and lungs, and severely compromised the right lung. Prenatally, we transferred all of our care to Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, and this is where Blakely was born and where she will reside for months in the NICU.

In her short week of life, there have been some “ups and downs,” like getting to hold her for the first time to being put on ECMO because the ventilators were not supporting her respiratory needs. She is currently stable on ECMO, and we are hopeful to have surgery to repair the diaphragmatic hernia in 1-2 weeks if she can come off ECMO at that time. This is just the beginning of a very long road ahead, and we would appreciate any thoughts and prayers.

Blakely has already shown us her strength and how feisty she can be just in her first week of life.

We are thankful beyond measure for all the friends and family that have stepped in to help us during this difficult time and could not be more appreciative of the army that we have behind us!

#smallfrystrong