Joshua Sawyer and Emily Welton are expecting the birth of a baby boy in late-March! As Josh's brother, I am sharing their story to organize support in their journey. It has been EXTREMELY challenging. Em has been hospitalized fully since November and will remain through the remainder of her complex pregnancy. Support of any kind would be greatly appreciated. Any size donation will directly support them. Please read below for full context, link to needed baby items, as well as non-financial ways you can help! They are beyond excited and very much looking forward to being parents after many years of partnership. They have embraced this unexpected journey to being first-time parents with grace and strength. The financial implications have and will be significant.
It has not been easy. Em is a Brittle Type 1 Diabetic and her pregnancy has been extremely challenging. Very early in her pregnancy she started to experience debilitating nausea and being unable to keep food down that led of a diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum. This was exacerbated by a preexisting stomach condition related to her diabetes. This resulted in many local hospitalizations. In late-November, her care was transferred to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor (over an hour away from home) where she remains admitted and will through March. Due to the severity of multiple ongoing complications, they fitted her with a continuous feeding tube that she will need for the remainder of her pregnancy resulting in some improvement. In addition to this, main management has been for glucose control as well as other factors. Everything indicates a healthy baby with positive scan results and a strong heartbeat. She will soon be transferred to the OB hospital wing. The current plan is for delivery to take place at 36 weeks in late-March. The baby will spend some additional time in the NICU and Mama will likely need some additional time in the hospital as they transition her nutrition. Josh will have six weeks of paid-leave, though at reduced income, when the baby is born.
Josh is the primary provider for their soon to be family and finances were already tight before the pregnancy. With Em being unable to continue work since August, finances have been significantly impacted with no chance to get ahead. Josh took on debt in order to cover major car repairs in the fall (with more work needed), living expenses increased significantly, and he has been less able to take on additional overtime shifts that he normally would work. Your donation will provide direct support and will be available as donations are received to provide security to this young family. I am also sharing access to their Amazon baby registry for requested items:
If you would like to support financially outside of this fundraiser or donate baby items, please contact Noah for more information. Even if you cannot donate, your positive thoughts and prayers are welcome. Greeting cards and notes for Em are also much appreciated. Other ways to support can be providing used baby items. As we get closer to Mama and Baby being at home, meals may also be helpful. I will provide updates as possible with the intention of respecting their privacy as well. Many thanks to all those people who have already provided encouragement and support, her incredible team of health care professionals and, her family members for their dedication and support. And to all those learning and considering support now, thank you truly.