Crystal, AJ, & Baby Walker
Donation protected
This fall Crystal and AJ's baby boy was diagnosed with Heterotaxy Syndrome. This is a rare birth defect that involves the heart and other organs. The beginning of the word (hetero-) means “different” and the end (–taxy) means “arrangement.”
Crystal and AJ have had multiple appointments at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and have learned more about the diagnosis and options for their baby boy. They face a decision no parent plans on making.
The first option is to proceed with surgeries to address the congenital heart defects of heterotaxy syndrome. The surgeries are often palliative in nature, as it's difficult to achieve normal anatomy. (This means the surgeries do not provide a long term cure for the heart defects). Unfortunately, these operations carry a poor prognosis and potential for poor quality of life. Babies are often born with asplenia or polysplenia (no spleen or multiple spleens), liver abnormalities, and intestinal rotation issues. The presence and severity of additional defects are often unclear until after birth.
The second option is to allow their baby boy to pass naturally after birth.
Needless to say, unless you have been in this situation, the decision is unimaginable. Regardless of what they choose, Crystal and AJ are faced with difficult days ahead.
The emotional burden placed on them is impossible to take away. However I would give anything to make the next few months easier financially. Whether funds go towards past or future medical bills, gas money, lost work wages, or the unthinkable task of a funeral, I'd like to do as much as possible.
For those of you who don't know... AJ is my cousin, friend, and one of the best guys around. And Crystal - she carries their baby boy with so much love and grace. She's truly become one strongest people I know. I have no doubt they're going to be amazing parents, in whatever capacity that may be.
I'd like to give them their space and privacy as much as possible during this time - I'm hoping to surprise them with this fundraiser for Christmas. It’ll include a little list of who contributed and any messages you’d like to send their way. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.
God Bless you all,
Gina
Photo by Amy Wohlt Photography: https://www.amywohlt.com
P.S. Heterotaxy facts were obtained from "Nick's Heart" - a foundation page I came across. I encourage you to visit it for more information - https://www.nicksheart.org/info-facts-2 .
*Disclaimer: Monetary goal has been updated frequently simply to ensure that people feel free to donate and do not think the campaign is over. There is no specific goal, each donation and prayer helps. Expectations have already been far exceeded and Crystal and AJ are forever grateful. No bit of money will go to waste.
This campaign has been quite successful and I couldn't be happier about it. But GoFundMe asks that I include a little more information for the legitimacy of the account and to make sure I'm keeping everyone informed! ...
Who you are:
- My name is Gina Perez, I am the cousin of AJ Crooks.
Where you're from:
-Green Bay Wisconsin
Your relationship to the parties you're raising funds for:
-Cousin of AJ Crooks who is the father of Walker.
How the funds will be used (be specific as possible):
-So far the funds have been used for lodging for Crystal and AJ, items for baby Walker (particularly unexpected expenses such as clothing, diapers, formula), meals for Crystal and AJ. Will also be used for Walker's funeral expenses, items for his memory as Crystal and AJ choose (photo albums, etc), medical bills from Prevea and Children's Hospital, and medical bills for his birth. Remaining funds may be donated in Walker's honor to relevant causes.
All money goes directly to Crystal and AJ to use as they see fit.
If you intend to withdraw the money, how you plan to send the funds to the parties you're raising money for or use the money on their behalf:
AJ is currently receiving the money via PayPal as it is deposited in to my checking account. This decision was made by both AJ and Crystal. I have been transferring the money in the same increments as I receive it and there has been no problem with accessibility to it. This has worked well up to this point.
Crystal and AJ have had multiple appointments at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and have learned more about the diagnosis and options for their baby boy. They face a decision no parent plans on making.
The first option is to proceed with surgeries to address the congenital heart defects of heterotaxy syndrome. The surgeries are often palliative in nature, as it's difficult to achieve normal anatomy. (This means the surgeries do not provide a long term cure for the heart defects). Unfortunately, these operations carry a poor prognosis and potential for poor quality of life. Babies are often born with asplenia or polysplenia (no spleen or multiple spleens), liver abnormalities, and intestinal rotation issues. The presence and severity of additional defects are often unclear until after birth.
The second option is to allow their baby boy to pass naturally after birth.
Needless to say, unless you have been in this situation, the decision is unimaginable. Regardless of what they choose, Crystal and AJ are faced with difficult days ahead.
The emotional burden placed on them is impossible to take away. However I would give anything to make the next few months easier financially. Whether funds go towards past or future medical bills, gas money, lost work wages, or the unthinkable task of a funeral, I'd like to do as much as possible.
For those of you who don't know... AJ is my cousin, friend, and one of the best guys around. And Crystal - she carries their baby boy with so much love and grace. She's truly become one strongest people I know. I have no doubt they're going to be amazing parents, in whatever capacity that may be.
I'd like to give them their space and privacy as much as possible during this time - I'm hoping to surprise them with this fundraiser for Christmas. It’ll include a little list of who contributed and any messages you’d like to send their way. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.
God Bless you all,
Gina
Photo by Amy Wohlt Photography: https://www.amywohlt.com
P.S. Heterotaxy facts were obtained from "Nick's Heart" - a foundation page I came across. I encourage you to visit it for more information - https://www.nicksheart.org/info-facts-2 .
*Disclaimer: Monetary goal has been updated frequently simply to ensure that people feel free to donate and do not think the campaign is over. There is no specific goal, each donation and prayer helps. Expectations have already been far exceeded and Crystal and AJ are forever grateful. No bit of money will go to waste.
This campaign has been quite successful and I couldn't be happier about it. But GoFundMe asks that I include a little more information for the legitimacy of the account and to make sure I'm keeping everyone informed! ...
Who you are:
- My name is Gina Perez, I am the cousin of AJ Crooks.
Where you're from:
-Green Bay Wisconsin
Your relationship to the parties you're raising funds for:
-Cousin of AJ Crooks who is the father of Walker.
How the funds will be used (be specific as possible):
-So far the funds have been used for lodging for Crystal and AJ, items for baby Walker (particularly unexpected expenses such as clothing, diapers, formula), meals for Crystal and AJ. Will also be used for Walker's funeral expenses, items for his memory as Crystal and AJ choose (photo albums, etc), medical bills from Prevea and Children's Hospital, and medical bills for his birth. Remaining funds may be donated in Walker's honor to relevant causes.
All money goes directly to Crystal and AJ to use as they see fit.
If you intend to withdraw the money, how you plan to send the funds to the parties you're raising money for or use the money on their behalf:
AJ is currently receiving the money via PayPal as it is deposited in to my checking account. This decision was made by both AJ and Crystal. I have been transferring the money in the same increments as I receive it and there has been no problem with accessibility to it. This has worked well up to this point.
Organizer
Gina Perez
Organizer
Green Bay, WI
