Support Josie's Fight Against Trisomy 18

Miss Josie made her appearance on 8/28/2024 weighing about 4 pounds and as cute as can be. However, shortly after her arrival she was rushed to St. Louis Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital to receive extra love and care in their PICU department due to heart and lung complications. On 9/9/24 we received the heartbreaking news that this little fighter was diagnosed with Trisomy 18. According to clevelandclinic.org they state that “Trisomy 18, is a very severe genetic condition that affects how your child’s body develops and grows. Children diagnosed with trisomy 18 have a low birth weight, multiple birth defects and defining physical characteristics which include heart and lung abnormalities. There’s no cure for Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18). Almost all pregnancies end in miscarriage or stillbirth. Of those pregnancies surviving into the third trimester, nearly 40% of babies diagnosed with Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18) don’t survive during labor, and nearly one-third of the surviving babies deliver preterm.

The survival rate varies for babies born with Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18):

Between 60% and 75% survive to their first week.

Between 20% and 40% survive to their first month.

No more than 10% survive past their first year.”

This news came as a shock to us all and we are still learning how to process this information while soaking in as much time as we can with our girl. With this being said, I am raising money to help the Maessen family cover any expenses they may have so they can truly be together as a family during this difficult time. Every little bit helps and we are so thankful for the love, prayers and support everyone has given us. This little lady is one heck of a fighter and is so truly loved by so many of you.

You can also feel free to venmo mom and dad directly using at @Samantha-Martin-358