Grace Dillinger came into this world as a 2 lb micro-preemie baby, exceeding expectations of many doctors who didn’t believe she would make it. If you’ve followed along with her story, you know that she was born with severely underdeveloped lungs resulting in chronic lung disease/BPD which has caused her many challenges. Her entire NICU journey has been full of ups and downs, but sadly, after recent events, it’s been made known that Grace’s underlying Chronic Lung Disease is significantly worse than anticipated.

In September, things took a drastic turn for Grace where her parents, Calvin & Bradi, were told she was not likely to make it through the night - on more than one occasion. Through much prayer, God’s mercy and an amazing medical team - Grace pulled through what seemed to be the impossible. Because of the new reality of her condition, once she reached stability, the quick next steps for Grace were a Tracheostomy and Gastrostomy Tube to support her moving forward. This is a major medical intervention that will require years of focused 24/7 medical support for Grace. 

While Grace’s parents are so thankful that Grace is here with them in the NICU, they are anxious and eager to bring her home. This new development means that they will need a significantly increased level of support for Grace once she comes home. Calvin & Bradi are so grateful for the support and love that has already been poured out to them but this is a long, painful and expensive journey.

As a community of friends, family, and loved ones, who want so desperately to help this family, we cannot be in the NICU advocating for Grace with them. We arent there learning her trach care, or managing physicians and specialists, or performing hours of bedside care. But we can take some practical things off their shoulders to offer space and time for them to focus on Grace and her healing journey. Our goal is that we can offer support to meet some practical needs, so they can be fully present with Grace and get their home prepared to bring home a “medically complex” baby.  

While Calvin & Bradi have worked diligently to save and prepare for emergencies - it's safe to say nothing could have prepared them for this situation. I started this GoFundMe page to provide an opportunity for those desiring to encourage the Dillingers during this difficult time. Any amount is a blessing to their family. Calvin and Bradi passed along some of the practical things these funds would go towards below: 

1. They will need to purchase a vehicle to accommodate Grace's medical equipment. 
2. While insurance should cover a large portion of the medical expenses - they have extensive medical bills and a number of out-of-pocket expenses related to Grace’s needs. 
3. They will need to semi-renovate the bottom floor of their house to have a bedroom for Grace and a dedicated caregiver (She will need 24-hour care while she has her trach, g-tube, and ventilator).
4. With Grace’s early arrival and the need to be quarantined over the last 4+ months, they have not had an opportunity to have a baby shower or to get many of the normal first baby items. 
5. Last but not least with Bradi taking an extended leave of absence from work any unexpected expenses will have a larger impact on the family. 

Thank you for your love, generosity, and support as the Dillinger’s eagerly prepare to bring their miracle girl home.