Help Support Ivy Kate: A Miracle MicroPreemie

Family of a Miracle MicroPreemie

Robert and Christine Haskew are organizing this GoFundMe for their son Branden and daughter-in-law Katie during this difficult and stressful time.

Katie started experiencing complications with her pregnancy around 14 weeks. After multiple trips to the ER, many tests, and dozens of ultrasounds, there seemed to be no major concerns with the results. On Labor Day weekend, they decided to take a trip from Helena, AL to Pensacola, FL to visit family. That Saturday, Branden had to rush Katie to the OB ER unexpectedly. She was immediately admitted to the hospital and remained there for 4 days. Katie's diagnosis was two large hematomas on her placenta. She was released from the hospital with travel restrictions and bed rest. After two weeks of continuous issues, Katie was admitted back into the hospital with the understanding she would stay there for the remainder of her pregnancy. Five days later, she was rushed into an emergency c-section due to a placenta abruption. On September 24th, our beautiful daughter-in-law gave birth to our fourth granddaughter, Ivy Kate Haskew. She was born at 14.6 ounces and 11 inches long. In Katie's words, "She was born 17 weeks too early. She was born without breath and her eyes still fused together. With lungs and a heart not meant to function outside her mother's womb. The doctors told them the first night that she was so sick that she might not make it and we all prepared for the worst. Her first month has not been the typical first month of a life full of diaper changes, bottle feeds, late-night feedings, and newborn cries. She has endured countless blood transfusions, IV lines, heel sticks, urine cultures, spinal taps, ultrasounds, x-rays, antibiotic treatments, and ventilator settings. She doesn't get to fall asleep in the arms of her parents but to the hum of a ventilator and the alarms of her monitors. She is touched only by gloved hands. She hasn't met her brothers and sisters or had her first ride in a car seat. Her first month of life hasn't been typical, but she's here. She's alive. She's growing. She's a fighter. She's a miracle. We are grateful. We are blessed. God is good."

On October 30th, 2024, little Ivy Kate had to undergo a meticulous and risky heart surgery to repair a large hole in her heart. Thanks to the amazing doctors, nurses, and surgeons, the procedure was successful, but she still has a long road ahead of her.

While these next few months of living in the NICU are stressful enough for the two of them, we wanted to create this page to hopefully alleviate some of the stress that this has and will continue to cause financially. With Katie being a teacher, she does not qualify for paid leave or disability. Branden continues to work remotely as much as he can while utilizing unpaid FMLA to support his wife and newborn daughter. He still travels back to their home in Alabama every other weekend to see his other two children (Bennett and Lily). The next few months will be extremely hard financially, physically, and mentally on them. We greatly appreciate any contributions to support them and we know they will as well! May God bless you today and always.