Support Cove and the Norander Family

Hi, my name is Katie and I am fundraising to support my brother Johnny and his family.

Our little Cove has spent most of his six weeks of life in the hospital. He has been at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor for the last three weeks. There he was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia, which is a liver disease that causes damage to the bile ducts. Without surgery, this disease is fatal because the backup of bile causes cirrhosis in the liver. Luckily, Cove was diagnosed early and was able to have surgery to improve the connection between his bile ducts and intestines. He came through the surgery like a champ, but we won’t know if it was effective for at least a month.

Even if the surgery was successful, Cove still has a long road ahead. In the immediate future, he will have multiple checkups a week, including a weekly trip back to Ann Arbor. In the more distant future, it is very plausible that he will need a liver transplant. Around 50% of children with Biliary Atresia will need one by three years old.

It has been two weeks since his surgery and Cove is still in the hospital healing and being monitored for any complications. In the meantime, Johnny and Kate have been by his side caring for him 24/7. Because of this, all PTO has been used up and they currently have no money coming in. I am asking for help on Kate and Johnny’s behalf to allow them to continue to stay where they need to be, with their little guy. I would love to be able to help relieve some of the stress weighing on them.

All money donated will be greatly appreciated and go directly to Kate and Johnny to help them pay their household bills, food, and gas until they can be away from their baby.