Hi, my name is Catie and I am organizing this fundraiser because my son Leo was born via emergency c-section at 33 weeks old on August 1, 2022 at 2:34am. I felt uncertain about making this fundraiser but a close friend convinced me that sometimes it is okay to ask for help, even when it feels uncomfortable and difficult. This is my first baby, and the past week and a half has been an emotional whirlwind to say the least.
I unexpectedly went into preterm labor on July 31 and by the time my partner Nate and I got to the hospital there was no stopping Leo's arrival. Unfortunately he turned breech at the very last second and due to a prolapsed cord his heart rate dropped to the 30s, causing the team to wheel me to the OR for an emergency c-section. As they put me under, all I could hear from the doctors over the chaos in the room was that my baby's heart rate kept dropping. When I woke up from anesthesia all I could ask was where my baby was. I was terrified! While I recovered outside the OR, Leo was taken to the NICU and hooked up to the breathing tube, and evaluated. He thankfully only ended up needing the breathing tube for a couple of days- which was an absolute miracle!
Leo is doing better with each day, but struggles with a bottle so has to get most of his milk through a feeding tube. His organ functions have been improving, and besides a small brain bleed the doctors are keeping an eye on, they are very happy with his progress. Unfortunately he has not gained any weight, and is maintaining around four pounds. (He was four pounds and seven ounces at birth). Leo is also receiving physical therapy to help build up his strength! We hope that he will be able to come home with us sometime in the middle of September but of course that is all depending on how Leo progresses over the upcoming weeks.
I usually drive for Uber and am unable to return to work for another five weeks or so while I heal and recover from surgery. My partner just started a new job as we recently moved to a new city, so unfortunately he does not have any paid time off while Leo is in the NICU. We would appreciate any donations to help us keep up with bills while we are down to one income, and Leo is in the intensive care nursery. We are hoping insurance will cover most of Leo's medical costs but are not 100% sure at the moment.
If you are interested in participating in the meal train a friend organized for us, the link is posted below. If you would rather donate directly instead of through Gofundme please feel free to reach out to Catie.
Please keep Leo and our family in your prayers while he continues to grow! Thank you for your love and support! ❤️