Support Carlo's Journey Home

We are raising money for Meghan and Ben Gieske whose youngest son Carlo has Trisomy 13 and while currently hospitalized (and has been then past 6 months) will be coming home in the next month. The family needs assistance with lost wages due to caregiving, medical supplies not covered by insurance, and to replace one of their vehicles. More details are in the text below.

We are Liz (Jamison) Escoffery and Maria (Ostertag) Miller and our college roommate and bestie Meghan (Garcia) Gieske and her husband Ben are going through an incredibly challenging time. On September 21, 2024, Meghan gave birth to the sweetest boy you will ever meet, Carlo Bernard, who is nothing short of a miracle. Expected to live hours or days, he has now hit his 6 month birthday. Carlo is living with Trisomy 13 meaning he has a bonus chromosome. Trisomy 13 affects 1 / 7400 pregnancies. He has needed a G Tube and a trach to eat and breathe successfully and has undergone half a dozen surgeries. He has only lived in the hospital so far (5 months of which in Indianapolis, several hours away from their community and home). Meghan and Ben have 2 other children who are 5 and 2 years old. Carlo has been cared for lovingly by his parents who have fought for him every step of the way, educating themselves along the way and reminding all of us how sacred and beautiful every child's life is. This extensive hospitalization has resulted in extra expenses including lost wages, extra childcare, lots of gas fill-ups, and more. Carlo has shown his medical staff and all around that he is a fighter and is hitting developmental milestones on his own timeline, doing things that Meghan and Ben were warned he might never do. He has a big brother and a big sister and is determined to get home to them. This will likely happen within the next month.

At this point, the biggest need is money for lost wages as his return home will mean time off work for Ben and/or Meghan to meet Carlo’s needs as well as for car payments or a new/used vehicle as their second vehicle broke down last week and cannot be repaired. In addition, there will be medical expenses/equipment not covered by insurance and to pay for some skilled nursing so that Meghan and Ben are able to work and sleep and also take care of their older children.

As Catholics and members of the universal Church, we humbly ask for your financial help and prayers to support the Gieske family. They are incredibly grateful for what you can give as they focus on being the best parents they can to Carlo, Blaise, and Desi. We are trusting in the Lord to answer our prayers to support this deserving family. No one walks alone through a time such as this.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8