Support Phoebe, Jake, and Baby Boy on Their Journey

Hi everyone,

As many of you know, Phoebe and Jake are eagerly expecting a little boy this spring. Unfortunately, their journey has taken an unexpected turn. During their 12-week ultrasound, doctors discovered a Cystic Hygroma, a serious condition often linked to other abnormalities. Given the severity, they were referred to Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, as this condition isn't treated here in Sudbury.

At their first appointment in Toronto, Phoebe and Jake received some mixed news. The cysts found on the right side of their baby’s neck and under his arm are not as concerning as initially thought. They were told these may resolve either in the womb or through surgery after birth. At their 20-week ultrasound they discovered that the cysts have resolved! Which has finally been some good news! However, the major concern now is the discovery of complex congenital heart disease, which includes a large ventricular septal defect (VSD), leaky valves, an under-developed ventricle and an abnormality in the great arteries.

This diagnosis means that their baby boy will need to be delivered in Toronto, four hours away from home, and will require immediate care at SickKids Hospital for early neonatal intervention. He will face a long road ahead, likely needing three open-heart surgeries in the first few years of his life to improve the function of his heart.

As you can imagine, this has placed an immense emotional and financial burden on Phoebe and Jake. Every few weeks, they must travel to Toronto for medical appointments, which means taking time off work and facing unexpected travel and accommodation expenses.

The goal of this GoFundMe is to help support Phoebe, Jake, and their baby boy through this difficult time. Your contributions will allow them to be together as a family in Toronto during his treatment after birth, easing the financial strain and allowing them to focus on what matters most: their son's health and their time together as a family.

We will continue to provide updates as we learn more about the diagnosis and their journey.

Thank you so much for your support, whether it’s through a donation, sharing this page with others or by keeping them in your thoughts and prayers. Every little bit helps and means the world to them.

With gratitude,

Elizabeth (Phoebe’s big sister)