As we all know, our little community has a way of pulling together for those in need. Jake, Haley and little Hazel are no exception to that. Jake works at Jenmar in Rich Creek, and Haley is a Kindergarten teacher at Macy McClaugherty Elementary in Pearisburg. The two have a daughter, Hazel Grace, who is in the NICU in Roanoke.

Haley went into preterm labor with Hazel at 30 weeks and had to have an emergency c-section due to loss of fluid. Hazel was breech and her heart rate was falling. She had to be sent to Roanoke Memorial NICU due to her being so early, high blood sugar, and difficulty breathing. They estimated her being in there 5 weeks, but they are going on week 9 and they still don’t have an estimated date as to when they will be able to bring Hazel home. Hazel has had numerous ultrasounds, eye exams, and will possibly come home on oxygen, depending on her growth in the next week or two. Jake works what he can, but with them leaving on Wednesday of each week to head to Roanoke, work time is limited. The two stay in Roanoke from Wednesday to Sunday and head home on Sunday for a few days before starting that routine all over again.

Monetary donations will go toward Hazel’s hospital stay, tests ran while there, food and travel expenses for Jake and Haley.