Hello, my name is Stephanie and I am creating this GoFundMe for my friend Lauren.

Lauren was excitedly awaiting the arrival of her first child, Evelynn Marie. On Tuesday, March 18th, 2025, Lauren was admitted to the hospital due to severe, life-threatening preeclampsia. To save both Lauren and Evie’s lives, there was no other option but an emergency delivery at only 27 weeks gestation as both Lauren and the baby’s health were at risk. Weighing only 1 lb 3 oz, Evelyn Marie was born on March 20th, 2025 at 7:03pm via c-section.

After Evie was born, she was brought to the NICU and will be in there for a minimum of two months but potentially could be longer. Currently, she is on a ventilator due to her lungs not being developed fully because she is so premature. Evie has pulmonary hypertension and a hole in her heart. Until she grows and has more weight, she cannot have the medication to help with this hole in her heart.

At 30 weeks gestational age, Evie’s chance of survival goes up to 90%. It has been a journey full of ups and downs. On Monday, her levels dropped and she stopped responding to the oxygen, antibiotics, and the ventilator. Evie’s parents were told that their options were running out and that she was on more medical support than she should be at this time and to prepare for next steps. This is something no parent ever wants to hear.

The results of her echo lead to the discovery of the hole in her heart as well as the breathing tube being misplaced, resulting in her not receiving enough oxygen.

Any NICU parent will tell you that this is a difficult time emotionally, mentally and physically. Lauren now faces unemployment with the early arrival of Evelynn as FMLA and paid leave weren’t available to her due to the length of time she had been at her job. This is an up and down journey and being that they live an hour away, spending as much time as possible with Evie is important but their options and resources are limited.

Evelynn’s father is trying to navigate parental leave at this time and how that will work with her being born prematurely. With the distance between their home and the hospital, being down to one income makes it difficult to ensure they can stay close by to support and spend time with their daughter.

The proceeds from this GoFundMe will go directly to Lauren. This will help with paying for a place to stay close to the hospital as well as any other expenses she will accrue with being out of work.