My name is Nelly. I am currently pregnant with my rainbow baby after two losses and years of trying. I was working part-time at South Texas College while working on my Associate of Arts in Teaching.

As you can imagine, our excitement when we found out we were expecting! I had to be put on some medications to help keep the baby in place, but we were still hopeful and very happy at how things were progressing. Until at 20 weeks, things got scary when we received a positive AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein) test, so we were sent to Maternal Fetal Medicine to find out what was going on. We were told at the beginning of the visit that we had gotten a false positive on the AFP, so we were able to relax and just enjoy viewing the detailed ultrasound of Liam. Then, when our doctor walked in, he broke the news that he had a few defects that could be seen: Gastroschisis, cleft lip/palate, and an abnormal left hand. We were told of the surgeries he would need after birth to repair his defects and were handed multiple referrals to meet with his surgeons and other specialists. It was all very overwhelming—the fear of him not making it full term and the thought of him being operated on so soon after birth. After meeting with his specialists, we also found out that he has a small VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect) that is small enough to not be too concerned about. We are happy with our team of doctors and trust that Liam is in good hands.

We thought we had everything planned out, but once we got the news, I had to make changes. I have had to put a hold on my job and my education so that I can focus my time on the numerous appointments, operations, and healing Liam will have to go through during his first year. So, I am asking for help to relieve some financial stress to be able to take this time off to focus 100% on Liam and his healing journey during this time.