Help Support Tatum’s Medical Journey

UPDATE: Abby and Drake received the news that Tatum’s reversal surgery (reconnecting his intestines) is scheduled for March 12. They are interpreting his recovery time may be one month. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers!

On December 20, 2024, Abby Chose was admitted to Conemaugh Hospital due to the high-risk nature of her mono-mono twin pregnancy. Thirteen days later, on January 2, 2025, Abby and Drake Chose were blessed with premature identical twin boys, Tatum and Teddy, born at 33 weeks and 5 days. While both boys initially seemed healthy, Tatum soon became very ill. After 10 days in the NICU, Tatum struggled to keep breast milk down and woke up on January 12th with discolored skin and a distended belly. Multiple ultrasounds and x-rays revealed a potential infection called Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), a serious condition affecting 1 in 1,000 premature babies.

NEC causes inflammation and injury in the intestines, leading to tissue death and potentially life-threatening complications. Tatum was immediately started on antibiotics and transferred to UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Despite initial improvements, the NEC diagnosis was confirmed, and a hidden perforation in his intestine was later discovered. As a result, urgent surgery was performed on January 18th to remove 10-15 centimeters of necrotic bowel. Tatum now has a temporary stoma and colostomy bag until his bowel can be repaired in a future surgery, estimated to take place in 6-8 weeks.

This challenging situation requires Abby and Drake to make daily trips from Johnstown to Pittsburgh to care for Tatum, while also caring for Teddy in the NICU at Conemaugh Hospital (who shows promise of coming home real soon), and simultaneously caring for their two-year-old son, Truett.

We, as family and friends of Abby and Drake, know that the costs could be significant. Many people have graciously offered their support, and we felt this could be a way to make that possible. Your donations and generosity would help support Tatum’s ongoing medical care and assist Abby and Drake with travel and other expenses during this challenging time. Any contribution is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and support.