Support for the McKenna Family

Hi everyone,

Some of you may or may not know that Mari and her husband Colton are expecting their third son. Unfortunately she has run into some complications.

At 24 weeks there was a rupture in her membrane causing her amniotic fluid to leak out. On November 8 she was rushed to the hospital in St. Augustine, then transferred to UF Shands in Jacksonville where there is a specialized NICU for preterm infants.

At first the situation looked dire, but each day Mari has managed to build up more fluid in her womb and the baby is growing and doing well. She is on strict bed rest at UF Shands (an hour from her home) with constant monitoring of her and the baby for the duration of the pregnancy. Colton has been splitting his time between caring for her there and going back to St. Augustine to care for their two young sons, Tide (8) and Birch (5). Family and friends have been providing support with food and helping with the boys when Colton is at the hospital, as well as staying with Mari when he goes home. Due to hospital regulations visits from her boys have been limited and brief.

Though the situation is precarious and anything could happen, the doctors' goal for the birth is 34 weeks which falls on January 13. Until then Mari is unable to leave the hospital. After the birth Mari will be in recovery, and the baby will inevitably spend some time in the NICU. At that point they will need to find lodging near the hospital, as Mari will be pumping her breast milk for the baby and spending as much time with him as possible.

The McKennas are so grateful for the support they've received from friends and family. They've never had to spend this kind of time away from their boys, and have been unable to work due to the situation.

Donations will be used to help the McKenna family with medical and other expenses. Any contribution, big or small, is greatly appreciated!