Support for Darrin & Courtney in their time of need

Hello, my name is Darrin. My wife, Courtney, and I had our first child on March 6th. An adorable baby boy that we named Dean Jared Ackermann. This is our story.

On March 4th Courtney developed a complicated condition called HELLP, an advanced form of pre-eclampsia. Our only options were an emergency C-section or risk losing them both. Courtney stayed in the hospital under constant supervision for two days and two rounds of steroids so we could give Dean's lungs a chance to develop.

On March 6th at 24 weeks gestational age he was born 1 pound 6.2 ounces (630 grams) and 12.5 inches long. This put Dean in the micro-preemie category and we fell in love with him immediately. We knew that it was going to be a long stay in the NICU, several months full of ups and downs, but we were ready and willing to do anything to keep our baby safe. Any time mom's blood pressure would cooperate we'd be up in his room. We were watching over him, reading him the Hobbit, telling him how much we loved him, and explaining all the great things that waited for him at home.

With our happy moments came the sad ones. A week into Dean's stay he was diagnosed with a Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), then the following week it was Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and a level one brain bleed the week after that. We stayed strong despite the fear and uncertainty that came with our NICU stay, but Dean's health continued to take a turn as he was diagnosed with a blood infection along with Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) with no hope of recovering from almost the entirety of his brain tissue dying off, and with it so was our sweet boy.

To say we are devastated is an understatement, but we know we need time to mourn him despite the bills and struggles that come with this. Many of you have asked how to help in this time of sorrow. We ask for nothing aside from your love, support, and prayers. We have set this fundraiser up for those that wish to contribute to the financial burdens that lay ahead.

With much love and many thanks,

Darrin & Courtney